Sweden make decisive strides

Sweden won through to the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship second qualifying round, and could yet be joined by Finland.

Perfect run
Victories against Latvia, Estonia and then neighbouring Finland ensured hosts Sweden topped first qualifying round Group 8. Finland had defeated Estonia and Latvia before losing 4-1 to Sweden and may yet go through as one of the six runners-up with the best record against the teams ending first and third in their pool; they currently lead France from the only other of the ten sections currently completed.

Comfortable wins
Marie Bengtsson's Sweden side opened with a comfortable 8-0 defeat of Latvia, Elin Rubensson, Jonna Andersson and substitute Madeleine Stegius taking it in terms to score twice. Finland overcame Estonia 7-0, Linda Norrena and Nea-Stina Liljedahl both claiming two goals, and Riikka Ketoja one, before last-minute substitute Netta Marjukka Hannula managed a pair in added time. The top two remained uncharged after the second matchday. Finland saw off Latvia 5-0 with Norrena scoring twice again, and Sweden defeated Estonia 14-0, Andersson and Malin Diaz managing hat-tricks.

Rubensson treble
Finland had to beat Sweden to pip them to first place, but were three down at the break as Emmie Johansson struck on seven minutes and Rubensson score twice late in the half. Liljedahl pulled one back but Rubensson completed her hat-trick with seven minutes left to confirm Sweden's place in the the second qualifying round draw at 10.30CET on 11 November. Latvia beat Estonia 3-0 for third place with two Aneta Pece goals sandwiching a Greta Guseva strike.