Omrani hat-trick keeps France hoping

France secured a victory against Wales which was not enough to earn first place in elite round Group 5 but could still take Guy Ferrier's side to the finals.

The mini-tournament hosts trailed Turkey at kick-off, with Wales also knowing that a win could book their place in Liechtenstein in May. Turkey's triumph against Norway ensured their berth in the 7 April draw but Bilel Omrani goals on 70 and 71 minutes, to complete a hat-trick, gave France a chance of pipping holders Germany to progress as the runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their section when the round ends on Thursday night.

Aiming to qualify for their fourth consecutive final tournament, France were on the offensive from the off and Abdoulaye Doucouré and Anthony Koura both came close before the latter opened the scoring late in the first half from close range. Omrani made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute but with Turkey heading for victory France knew they had to keep attacking to improve their goal difference.

With ten minutes left Omrani had a second, Dylan Deligny's fine run ending with a cross for the striker to head in. Almost straight away the olympique de Marseille youngster completed his treble with what could prove an invaluable goal for France, pouncing on the rebound after Jonathan Bond could only parry a Deligny shot.