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Republic of Ireland boss Tom Mohan relishing 'big challenge' at Euros

The Republic of Ireland have been paired with the Czech Republic, France, and Norway in Group B of t...
Stephen Doyle
Stephen Doyle

6:41 PM - 31 May 2019



Republic of Ireland boss Tom M...

Sport

Republic of Ireland boss Tom Mohan relishing 'big challenge' at Euros

Stephen Doyle
Stephen Doyle

6:41 PM - 31 May 2019



The Republic of Ireland have been paired with the Czech Republic, France, and Norway in Group B of the UEFA European Under-19 Championships.

In Group A, hosts Armenia were joined by Italy, Portugal, and Spain for the tournament which begins in Yerevan in July.

The young Boys in Green were the only team to qualify having won each of their six games and this will be manager Tom Mohan's second experience of UEFA competition having previously guided the Ireland Under-17s to the 2015 finals in Bulgaria.

"We are delighted to be one of the final eight teams in this tournament," said Mohan. "There will be no easy games at the finals and we know that a big challenge is ahead of us, but it's one that we are excited by."

"I've seen Norway play in a tournament in Spain recently and they have done really well - they qualified for the Under-20 World Cup.

"Then you have Czech Republic who were in a group with a very good England team, while France are always strong at this level."

Mohan's under-19s were denied a place in the 2017 finals on goal difference despite beating mini-tournament hosts Belgium 1-0 in their final group game.

The 45-year-old will leave no stone unturned in preparing his players for their Armenian adventure.

"We will go into greater depth with our analysis of the teams over the coming weeks and we will have all of our homework done," added Mohan.

"But we have proved that we have a right to be here and it's up to us to make the most of it when the games come around.

"I had a chance to see the facilities and team hotel in Armenia, so that was good. From right now, though, we have to adopt a new mindset and focus on our preparations."



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