Ten-man Ireland pipped

Serbia and Montenegro are out of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship despite a comeback victory against the Republic of Ireland - who remain in with a chance of qualification.

Stokes scores
While the Irish had begun their Elite round Group 2 campaign with a 2-1 win against neighbours Northern Ireland, the Serbo-Montenegrins had lost 3-1 to pool hosts England. And it seemed Ireland were on their way to three more points when in the 17th minute Anthony Stokes scored for the second time in the mini-tournament.

Extra man decisive
But Ireland did not make the most of their early dominance, and just after losing the lead to Miloš Živanovic's equaliser had Robert Bayly sent off. Playing against ten men, Serbia and Montenegro took their chance when Miralem Sulejmani struck nine minutes from time and went on to secure their fourth win in their five 2004/05 qualifiers.

Serbo-Montenegrin heartbreak
However, England's 3-1 win against Northern Ireland today means that even if Serbia and Montenegro beat Northern Ireland and Sean McCaffrey's side defeat England on Wednesday, Zlatko Krmpotic's team will be pipped by either Ireland or England to a place in the Italian-hosted finals in a three-way head-to-head record tie-breaker.

Win required
Ireland, meanwhile, must overcome the group hosts in Walsall to have any chance of progress. If Serbia and Montenegro do not also win their game in Kidderminster, the Irish will top the pool on head-to-head record with England. However, should the Serbo-Montenegrins also gain a victory, Ireland will need to win by a two-goal margin to pip England.