A superb finish by Keith Fahy gave the Irish Under-16 side the closest of victories over Switzerland in their first group match at the European Youth Olympics in Esbjerg, Denmark, yesterday.

It was a hard earned result, especially as the Irish had to dig deep to survive a late succession of chances by an enduring Swiss side. Without the impressive defence of Mark Rossiter, Andrew Burke and Patrick McCarthy, they may not have succeeded while captain Stephen Capper also proved vital in that role.

From the start it was the Swiss that appeared more capable of scoring. The Irish took longer to settle and only Graham Ward and Jonathan Daly put any threat on the Swiss goal before the end of the first half.

Fahy's effort five minutes after the re-start, however, was all the lift they needed. He cruised from midfield up to the edge of the box and then drove into the right corner past the Swiss goalkeeper Benaglio.

As the heat took its toll the Irish seemed to fade, but the equaliser just could not come for the Swiss. Ireland now face Denmark this evening to decide what role they will play in Thursday's finals.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Henderson, Rossiter, Burke, McCarthy, Capper, Ward, Brennan, Fahy, Daly, Graydon, McMahon. Subs: Fenton for Daly (half-time), Gartland for McMahon (65 mins).

SWITZERLAND: Benaglio, Reinmann, Fenini, Hurlinann, Mieville, Kellerhals, Canenzind, Baumann, Regazzoni, Buhler, Nuzzolo. Subs: Giorgis for Kellerhals, Geiser for Canenzind.

Referee: P Paraty (Portugal).