Northern Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Championship knockout stages were ended, as a narrow 2-0 defeat to Norway in their final group game saw them finish bottom of Group A.
Following their 0-0 draw with Ukraine and 3-0 defeat to Italy earlier in the tournament, Academy starlet Josh Briggs and his teammates knew they had to beat the Norwegians on Sunday and hope that Italy defeated Ukraine to have any hope of claiming the runners-up spot, yet in the end they were left disappointed on both fronts as Ukraine ran out 3-2 winners at Inver Park.
Briggs retained his place in defence and completed the full 90 minutes for Gareth McAuley’s side, as Northern Ireland slipped to defeat at Seaview.
After a cagey start, the home nation had the best early chance as Dylan Stitt was denied by Martin Børsheim, after latching onto Sam Glenfield's defence-splitting pass.
𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕞 💚 #GAWA #U19EURO pic.twitter.com/XAgGRDshj9
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) July 21, 2024
In a scrappy first half, it was Norway who took a 34th-minute lead when Daniel Braut got on the end of a free-flowing move and was able to squeeze his effort under Pierce Charles.
Chances were at a premium for both sides, but it was that man Braut who notched his second from close-range on 65 minutes to end any hopes of progression for McAuley's men.
Despite their European Under-19 Championship journey coming to an end, Briggs can leave the competition with his head held high, having completed every minute of his country’s campaign and reached eight caps at this level for his country.
