Sean McCaffrey -  “We were the best team in the group but lost out to a dubious penalty decision against Germany on Wednesday.

“I couldn’t have asked for more from the players," he added.  "They gave it everything tonight to get a deserved win, their second from three matches in the group. We’ll move on from this set-back and be better for the experience. The players are continuing to develop into top professionals and they did their country proud this week.”

Cillian Sheridan celebrates his 85th minute goal

 Late goals from Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan and Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Ryan gave Ireland their due reward at United Park, beating their Hungarian counterparts 2-0.

But it scarcely mattered as Germany booked their place in the UEFA U19 finals in Austria in July by beating Bulgaria 2-0 at Belfield to top the group.

Technically, Hungary looked the best side Ireland had played in their three group games and their neat passing and counter-attacking troubled the Irish throughout.

But Ireland got well on top in the second half following a dour first 45 minutes and defender Shane Lowry had a header saved on the line by Hungarian keeper Bence Somod on 53 minutes.

Somod then did well again when pushing out another Treacy free-kick, with Robert Bayly slicing the follow-up wide before the opening goal arrived on 84 minutes. 

Sheridan got on the end of Treacy's deep cross from the right to head past Somod.

Man-of-the-match Treacy then brought a terrific one-handed stop from the Hungarian keeper minutes later as Ireland finished with a flourish, with Ryan punishing a poor clearance to drill a shot into the net right on 90 minutes.