Northern Ireland were eliminated from the European Under-19 Championship when Norway defeated them 2-0 at Seaview.
Daniel Braut put Norway ahead when Northern Ireland failed to clear their lines after just 30 minutes.
Braut increased his tally tonight and gave Luis Pimenta’s team a more comfortable lead after 65 minutes.
Elsewhere, Ukraine secured their place in the semi-finals by defeating defending champions Italy 3-2.
That result meant Gareth McAuley’s side finished bottom of the group and Norway finished third.
Norway seizes its opportunities
The game got off to a slow start, with Northern Ireland having their first chance to score after 20 minutes when a clever pass from Sam Glenfield left Dylan Stitt in goal, but the resulting shot was saved by the outstretched Martin Borsheim.
Norway opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Benjamin Faraas’ cross from the left channel into the box was deflected in by Tom Atcheson.
However, Braut managed to cling to the danger and shoot from close range past goalkeeper Pierce Charles and Northern Ireland captain Gallagher Lennon, who tried to clear the ball off the line.
In the final minute of the first half. Simen Vatne Haram’s header from Sondre Granaas’ corner went over the bar as Luis Pimenta’s side looked to extend their lead before the break.
Braut scores his third goal in three games
Early in the second half, a low Glenfield shot from outside the box was met by Borsheim, with Aodhan Doherty’s shot wide shortly afterwards.
Norway doubled their lead when Granaas’ pass found the unmarked Braut, who scored first time.
The busy Braut was twice denied his hat-trick by the woodwork. The first time, his shot took a deceptive deflection and hit the post before his effort from 20 yards hit the right post.
Supported by a depleted Seaview, Northern Ireland had a great opportunity to score their first goal of the tournament in the closing stages of the game, with Borsheim making a great reaction save to stop Kieran Morrison’s shot and the alert Norwegian defense quickly freed Corey Smith’s follow-up attempt.
