The difference between success and failure is slim. France were crowned European u18 champions this morning when they overcame the challenge of the Ukraine 1-0 in the final in Nurnberg in front of a massive 32,000 crowd. But it could so easily have been Ireland, as the French were somewhat fortunate to beat Brian Kerr's team over two legs to reach the finals stage.

Ireland held the French to a scoreless draw in France before losing 2-0 at Tolka Park but if Brendan McGill's goal had not been disallowed when Ireland were only trailing 1-0 it could have been a different story.

France didn't look like they could win anything in their first group game of the finals. The lost 2-1 to Finland and looked set for an early trip home.

But they lifted their game and beat the Czech Republic 1-0 before finishing the group stages with a 2-0 victory against Russia to take top spot in Group B and a place in the final.

The Ukraine surprisingly topped Group A even though they faced hosts Germany. The final was a tense affair but substitute Herve Bugnet won the game for France when he scored the only goal of the game in the 79th minute.