Irish fly European flag

The Republic of Ireland followed Spain and Slovakia in reaching the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship knockout stages, but England and Germany were eliminated after the final group games on Friday in the United Arab Emirates.

Group winners
Ireland were in fact through even before kicking off their fixture with Mexico, after the Ivory Coast drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in the early game. That result ensured Ireland would finish ahead of eliminated Saudi Arabia even if they lost to Mexico, as their four points would have been enough to progress as one of the four best third-placed teams. As it was, though, Ireland gained a 2-0 win that meant they finished top of Group F.

Paisley and Kelly on target
While Mexico, who needed to win to stay in the tournament, had the majority of the chances, Ireland went ahead on 35 minutes through Stephen Paisley. Just before half-time, both teams were reduced to ten men when Ireland's Darren Potter and Mexico's Jesus Palacios were sent off. Mexico, who had reached the second stage at the last five championships, kept trying, but five minutes from time Stephen Kelly wrapped up the game for Ireland.

End for England
England's Group D campaign ended with a fourth-placed finish, but they secured their only point of the competition in a goalless draw with unbeaten Colombia. In a quiet game, neither side had many chances, but the draw secured second place for Colombia, behind Japan, who beat Egypt 1-0. Egypt still go through, while England depart as the only side not to score in the finals. Colombia now provide Ireland's opposition on Tuesday in Al Ain.

Paraguay beat Germany
Germany knew victory against Paraguay would be enough to book their last 16 place. And although the South Americans were on top in the early stages, Patrick Milchraum hit the post for Germany on 32 minutes. However, seven minutes later Dante Lopez's clever header put Paraguay in front. Sebastian Kneissl then also struck the woodwork for Germany 12 minutes into the second period, the crossbar denying his effort. But on the counterattack Dante Lopez set up Heado Valdez to double the lead, and Germany were forced to settle for a 2-0 defeat.

Hope extinguished
Their tournament was not yet over, but they needed either the United States or the Korean Republic to win the final Group F game by a three-goal margin. When the US went 2-0 up on 24 minutes through two Ed Johnson penalties, Germany had new hope. But that was how the score stayed, and while the top three - the US, Paraguay and Korea - all progressed, Germany were out, as were Group B's Mali who were still hoping to be one of the best third-placed teams but were one goal worse off than Group C's Canada, who progressed.

Last 16 confirmed
Spain will now meet Paraguay on Tuesday in Al Ain, just before Ireland play Colombia. Slovakia already knew they were facing Brazil on Tuesday in Sharjah, and their game will precede a fixture between Australia and the UAE, while Monday's other three fixtures pit Japan against their Asian rivals Korea, Burkina Faso with Canada, the US against the Ivory Coast and holders Argentina with Egypt.