Second-half goals save Ireland

The Republic of Ireland can still make the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals thanks to a 3-1 defeat of Serbia and Montenegro.

Ireland ahead
Ireland lost 1-0 to second qualifying round Group 7 hosts Belgium on Wednesday and needed victory to keep their hopes on track. Against a side who, as Yugoslavia, eliminated them from the 2002 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, Ireland took the lead midway through the first half when Gary Mulligan headed in Mark Yeates' free-kick

Points safe
However, Serbia and Montenegro, who beat Norway 4-0 in their opening game, were level soon after thanks to Milan Purovic. Ireland were the dominant team, though, and just before the hour were ahead again when Henry McStay turned in a corner, and Yeates made victory safe in added time after being sent clear by William Flood's through-ball, a goal that could prove crucial if the group goes to head-to-head records should these two teams and Belgium all end on six points.

Deciding matches
In order to qualify, Ireland must beat eliminated Norway in their final game on Sunday and hope Serbia and Montenegro defeat group leaders Belgium by fewer than three goals. A victory by that margin would take Serbia and Montenegro to Switzerland regardless of the other result.

'Back in with a shout'
Irish manager Sean McCaffrey told the Football Association of Ireland's official website: "We were on the floor after the Belgian match so to go out and perform so well was pleasing. We created plenty of chances and are now back in with a shout of qualifying. We still need other sides to do us a favour but we have to get the points ourselves to make sure we can take advantage of any slip-ups."