Shiels hails Northern Irish heroics

Northern Ireland beat hosts Belgium 2-0 to cap a remarkable UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group 7 campaign and take a deserved place in this summer's eight-team final tournament in France.

Maximum points
When the Northern Irish trailed 2-0 against Belarus on the opening day of this second-round mini-tournament, few would have predicted they would ultimately top the group with a maximum nine points from their three games. However they fought back to win that match 3-2 and have not looked back since.

Convincing display
They went into today's game against the Belgians in Visé needing a draw to ensure qualification but in the event a convincing display saw them win 2-0 and reach the finals with ease.

O'Connor opener
The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides contesting every centimetre of territory. Michael O'Connor gave the Northern Irish the lead in the eleventh minute with a superb 20-metre free-kick.

Carville clincher
Belgium fought back but goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey was equal to everything they threw at him. The game was made safe six minutes from time when Michael Carville's beautifully judged shot from an acute angle beat Belgian goalkeeper Jonathan Ruttes.

'Tremendous achievement' 
At the final whistle the Northern Irish were able to celebrate their first ever qualification for the U17 finals and coach Kenneth Shiels was delighted. "This is a tremendous achievement when you consider we came here with eleven players from part-time football and only seven from professional clubs," he said.

Low expectations
"Over the first two games we were the best team in the tournament. I think we deserved to be group winners. At the final tournament in France we are the only small team and we will play against the cream. Our expectations are not very high." However Shiels' team fare in France, it is a remarkable feat to have even qualified.

Achievement praised
Other Group 7 coaches also praised Northern Ireland's achievement. "I would like to wish Northern Ireland success in the finals in France," said Belarus' Yuri Pyshnik.

Unexpected outcome
Meanwhile Scotland coach Ross Mathie added: "It was a high standard tournament. Being honest I think nobody was expecting Northern Ireland to win the group - [most people thought] Scotland or Belgium would be the winners. But they played well and won first place."