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The Republic of Ireland U17 team today played superb football to open up a 2-0 lead over Latvia after 69 minutes of their contest in the preliminary qualifying tournament in the UEFA Championship.
Ireland went into the game after a scoreless draw with Denmark in their opening match of this mini-tournament and a comprehensive 2-0 win over hosts Azerbaijan.
Ireland knew that a draw would give them the point they needed to clinch one of the two qualifying places on offer and a win would ensure they finished top of the group.
The other match today in the tournament between Denmark and Latvia was scoreless at half-time and Ireland seemed to respond to that news when they broke for the half-time interval.
Manager Sean McCaffrey sent the team out for the second half in very positive mood and they jumped in front after just 47 minutes. Michael Collins of Liverpool claimed the opening goal of the match.
The picture improved further for a confident Irish side as they stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 69th minute. This time it was Ian Daly of Manchester City who scored.
Ireland's two goals in the previous match against Azerbaijan were scored by Conor McCormack (Manchester United) and Garreth Matthews (Norwich City) and the spread of goals between strikers and midfielders must have been pleasing to manager Sean McCaffrey.