Tom Mohan’s side moved to the top of the group with a brilliant 2-0 win over Italy on Thursday and a victory over the Swedes in the Belgian town of Freethiel (1.00pm) would put them within touching distance of reaching the finals.
Only one side from each group will qualify for the finals tournament in Georgia this summer so while the good start has been a boost to the Irish Mohan knows that there is still room for twists and turns in the group. Sweden lost 2-1 to Belgium yesterday.
“With so much at stake there can be no complacency and the players have shown a really good attitude and mindset here this week,” he said.
“We did a recovery session today. There are a few slight knocks but nothing that will rule anybody out of tomorrow’s game we hope.
“We’ve been analysing Sweden and it was a very close between them and Belgium. They are a strong physical side, well-organised and, like all teams at this level, they have good attacking players.
“They are also dangerous from set-pieces with their size and strength so we have to be mindful of that.
“There are always areas we can improve upon but I felt our overall game against Italy was very good.
“In the first half particularly we were very sharp and obviously Italy got back into it and took a while for us to get out in the second half but we finished well. However you can’t look beyond tomorrow’s game. Yesterday is done and dusted.”
RESULTS & FIXTURES
UEFA U19 Championships Elite Qualifying Round Group 7
THURSDAY, MARCH 23: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Italy, Hamme (Bel)
SATURDAY, MARCH 25: Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)(1.00pm Irish)
TUESDAY, MARCH 28: Belgium v v Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)(6.00pm Irish)