The result means Colin O'Brien's side finish the Qualifying Round with a 100% record following wins this week against Andorra, Kazakhstan and Greece. The Boys in Green will now compete in the Elite Phase in Spring 2017 with a place at the Finals tournament in Croatia next May at stake.
Today's win came courtesy of a well worked goal after 21 minutes. Aaron Bolger split the Greek defence with a perfect pass through to Gavin Kilkenny. Kilkenny surged into the area, whipped an inviting ball across the area where Aaron Connolly pounced to give Ireland the lead.
That proved to be the only goal of the game as despite chances at either end, neither team could find the back of the net. Connolly went closest to doubling Ireland's lead in second half injury time but his penalty was well saved by Vasilis Tsimopoulos in the Greek goal.
Speaking to FAI.ie after the game, Head Coach Colin O'Brien was pleased with what he had seen from his side, "It was a really good performance from the team. Overall I felt we created the better chances, controlled the game for longer periods, and deserved the win," O'Brien began.
"Greece are a very good team. We saw them play twice this week already and had identified areas in which they could be dangerous. They are a quick, physical side and they weren’t afraid to go direct. They posed a different type of challenge to our previous games and I was impressed by our application," O'Brien said.
Three games, three wins, and qualification secured ensure that the past week has been a job well done by the Under 17's. O'Brien can now look ahead to the Elite Phase draw in December confidentently as a result of a promising week in Andorra.
The Head Coach added, "The players equipped themselves brilliantly over the three games. We spoke about embracing the challenge, being able to adapt from game to game and managing the phases of the game correctly. We did just that the results were a testament to how hard the players have worked this week and the support from all the backroom staff."
Greece: 12. Tsimopoulos (GK), 2. Lyratzis, 4. Tsaousis, 5. Voutsas, 6. Meliopoulos (Katsoukis 60), 7. Zoumpoulidis, 8. Glezos (Gkargkalatzidis 51), 11. Skenterai (Tsirigotis 51), 15. Papadopoulos (C), 16. Antzoulas, 17. Voilis.
Republic of Ireland: 1. Maher (GK), 2. L. O'Connor (C), 4. Ledwidge, 5. Collins, 6. Bolger, 8. Coventry, 9. Connolly, 10. Idah (Thompson 51), 13. Kilkenny (Caffrey 75), 17. Nolan, 18. Kavanagh (Brennan 63).
Referee: Tomasz Musiał (POL)