Ireland miss out on finals despite win

The Republic of Ireland under-19s came from behind to beat Switzerland today but can not now qualify for this summer's European…

The Republic of Ireland under-19s came from behind to beat Switzerland today but can not now qualify for this summer's European Championships.

Sean McCaffrey's side - who finished the game at Richmond Park with 10 men after Glenn Whelan was dismissed for a second yellow - beat the Swiss 3-2 but England's 3-0 win over Slovenia earlier in the day sealed Ireland's fate.

England now top the four-strong group on six points. Ireland have three points and even if they beat Slovenia on Friday and England lose to Switzerland, England will qualify for the finals by virtue of their 1-0 win over Ireland on Monday.

Johan Vonlathen put Switzerland - who had Barnetta and Maric dismissed in the second half - ahead after half and hour and they took that lead to the break. But John Flood, Neil McCafferty and Willo Flood all scored in the second period to seal the win. Vonlathen nabbed a second in the 88th minute.