Russia denied despite beating Iceland

Russia were pipped to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals despite ending elite round Group 7 with a win against Iceland.

Captain Serder Serderov scored the first and made the second for Artem Fedchuk against an Iceland team that ended with nine men, but Russia also needed hosts Hungary to avoid defeat against pre-game leaders Romania. It was 2-1 to Romania when Hungary were awarded a late penalty; it was missed and Russia's sole U17 qualification remains in 2006, when they emerged winners.

In a bright opening both Russia and Iceland had chances but the deadlock was broken in the tenth minute when Serderov pounced on a loose ball from a defensive clearance and found the net to the left of Iceland goalkeeper Bergsteinn Magnússon. Eleven minutes later Serderov turned provider, sending Artem Fedchuk clear to finish clinically with a low shot to Magnússon's right.

In the second half, a composed Russia restricted Iceland to shots from distance without coming close to adding a third themselves. Late on Oliver Sigurjónsson and Sindri Snaefells Kristinsson were both sent off but the equaliser Russia needed in the other game did not arrive and they end a point behind Romania with Iceland fourth.

"We expected to win the group so are disappointed of course," said Russia coach Vladimir Scherbak. "Romania are a very tall, physical and well-organised team though, and played very well against us so we wish them good luck. It was a good tournament although very tiring for still very young players."