Like the senior team, the Ireland U21s faced Nordic opposition tonight.
But for Stephen Kenny's side, it proved to be a sparkling performance as they thrashed Sweden 4-1 at Tallaght Stadium.
But it required them to battle back from a deficit.
Sweden took the lead on 18 minutes through Viktor Gyökeres and it's a lead the visitors held until half-time.
Second-Half Whirlwind
Adam Idah of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Sweden at Tallaght Stadium in Tallaght, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/SportsfileBut the second-half was a completely different story as Ireland U21s blew Sweden away.
Four minutes after the break, Lee O'Connor equalised after good work from Adam Idah down the byline.
O'Connor, who made his senior debut against New Zealand last Thursday, applied the finish to the cut-back.
On 64 minutes, it was Idah's turn to find the net. Again it was a cross from the right flank, this time from Elbouzedi.
Idah took up a similar position to O'Connor minutes earlier before a finish low into the net.
With 16 minutes to go, another recent Ireland senior debutant would find the net.
Group
19 November 2019; Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland in action against Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sweden during the UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Sweden at Tallaght Stadium in Tallaght, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/SportsfileTroy Parrott ran onto Connor Ronan's deflected ball over the top and finished precisely to make it 3-1.
Ronan would also assist the fourth goal, setting up Zak Elbouzedi to tap in from a low left-wing cross.
The commanding win means Ireland stay top of Euro 2021 qualifying Group 1 on 16 points from seven games.
However, Italy are three points behind and have two games in hand in the best runners-up place.
You can watch all the goals here.
Morning! 😃
What a night for #IRLU21🇮🇪 last night 👌
Watch highlights from the 4⃣-1⃣ win over Sweden🇸🇪 👇
➡️ https://t.co/gYcl503CO0
Some fantastic goals on an incredible night 🔥#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/npS4bphBHl— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 20, 2019
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