HIGH NOON'

Ireland keeper Alex the shootout hero after namesake Michael put the Boys in Green in front against Canada

- BY OISIN DOHERTY

JOYS IN GREEN Coleman celebrates with goal hero Troy Parrott at the Aviva

IRELAND are through to the last-16 of the U17 FIFA World Cup after edging past Canada 9-8 in a marathon penalty shootout.

The Boys in Green held their nerve throughout the shootout, with goalkeeper Alex Noonan proving to be the hero, denying Elijah Roche to seal a famous win for Ireland.

It was a penalty shootout that summed up the entire game - tense and nervy.

Ireland arguably shaded an opening quarter that was bereft of chances, but went close when Michael Noonan curled one wide after a clever free-kick routine.

Noonan had two goals in the tournament before today’s game and looked full of confidence, fizzing around opposition defenders even when Ireland's buildup play failed to find him.