Holders Italy, Spain and France are leading the charge towards semi-finals berths following the first set of group matches at UEFA U19 Euro 2024.
Italy began their three-match Group A campaign with a 2-1 win over Norway, while highly fancied Spain edged past Denmark and France defeated Turkiye on the same scoreline in Group B.
Northern Ireland’s first game at the tournament, in Group A, saw them draw 0-0 with Ukraine.
The Irish Football Association is currently hosting the 2024 Men's Under-19 European Championship along with UEFA. Group stage games are being played at Seaview Stadium in Belfast and Larne’s Inver Park, while the semi-finals and final will be played at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.
First up in the tournament, at Seaview, was the encounter between the Italians and the Norwegians.
Norway's high press against a well-structured Italy paid off as Mats Pedersen snatched possession to tee up Daniel Braut's 35th-minute opener.
However, Bernardo Corradi's side remained composed, sticking to their game plan, and a minute before half-time Luca Di Maggio curled home a sublime equaliser.
Italy rattled the woodwork twice early in the second half as they applied pressure, and in the 51st minute Kevin Zeroli glanced in the winner from a corner.
The Northern Ireland v Ukraine game at Inver Park later on Monday was a cagey, tense affair.
Controlling possession early on, Ukraine demonstrated their quick-passing ability and organisation.
As they probed, looking for an opening, Gareth McAuley's side were forced to defend for much of the first half, although striker Braiden Graham forced Ukrainian keeper Vladyslav Krapyvtsov into a fine save just before the break.
Both sides showed glimpses of promise after the interval, but Pierce Charles continued to be kept busy in the Northern Ireland goal – producing notable saves in the 73rd and 90th minutes to ensure it was goalless at full-time.
Yesterday it was a day of Group B fixtures, starting with Denmark v Spain in Larne.
Spain enjoyed long spells in control in a slow start, playing on the ground and calmly testing Denmark's weaknesses.
Denmark produced several chances, however Chema Andrés' cute 26th-minute header put José Lana's team in front.
Spain's compact low-block defending was at times impenetrable, but in a momentary lapse of concentration Valdemar Andreasen was alert to snatch a loose pass and tee up Mikel Krüger-Johnsen to equalise from close range.
A tense but balanced second half followed. And minutes after Rayane Belid was sent off, Iker Bravo's fine finish in the 79th minute gave 10-man Spain the victory.
At Seaview Yiğit Fidan's diving header to connect with Emre Uzun's inswinging corner at the back post gave Türkiye the advantage on four minutes.
However, for the rest of the first half, that remained their only effort on target, while France engineered chances.
As Bernard Diomede's side increased their intensity in the second half, substitute Lucas Michal capped a well-worked France combination to equalise in the 66th minute before Jérémy Jacquet converted from the penalty spot to seal their victory.
Today is a rest day, however four of the teams will be back in action tomorrow (Thursday 18 July). In Group A Norway will face Ukraine at Seaview (3.30pm) and Northern Ireland are up against Italy at Inver Park (7pm).
On Friday, in Group B, the Danes are set to face France at Inver Park (3.30pm), while it’s Turkiye v Spain at Seaview (7pm).
For highlights of the action so far go to the UEFA Under-19 section on uefa.com.
To buy tickets to U19 Euros matches go to irishfa.com/u19euro.
Image: Luca Di Maggio, who scored a peach of a goal for Italy, battles for the ball in the Italy v Norway game at Seaview.
