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France claim title from Netherlands

As the tournament returned from a two-year absence, France dethroned the Netherlands with a final comeback in Israel.

Under-17 EURO final highlights: France 2-1 Netherlands

France were crowned UEFA European Under-17 Championship winners for the third time in 2022 as the competition returned after two cancelled editions due to COVID-19.

The Netherlands, aiming for a belated third title in a row after victories in the most recent completed editions of 2018 and 2019, again reached the final in Israel, and took the lead through Jaden Slory early in the first half. However, two goals in three minutes by France right-back Saël Kumbedi sealed the title.

Watch France lift Under-17 EURO trophy

The big surprise in qualifying came when Luxembourg knocked out England to reach the finals for the first time other than when hosting, something also achieved by Bulgaria. Neither were to progress from their group as regular tournament forces like France, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Portugal made it through. Also reaching the knockout stages were Serbia, equalising late in their last group game against Spain to deny Belgium, who had been heading through on goals scored.

There was drama in the quarter-finals as France and Germany went to penalties. After two shots each Germany led 2-0 but France turned things around and won 4-3 in sudden death. The other games all finished 2-1 as the Netherlands beat Italy in a rematch of the 2018 and 2019 finals, Serbia defeated Denmark and Portugal overcame Spain.

Both semi-finals also required a penalty shoot-out. France led Portugal early with a stunning Warren Emery goal but then fell behind to spectacular Afonso Moreira and Dário Essugo strikes before making it 2-2 at half-time, a scoreline that stuck. Both teams scored their first five penalties but Portugal's Manuel Mendonça was denied by Lisandru Olmeta in sudden death and El-Chadaille Bitshiabu won it for France.

Semi-final highlights: France 2-2 Portugal (6-5 pens)

In the other semi all four goals came in one half, this time the second as the Netherlands led through Jason van Duiven, Jovan Milošević struck twice for Serbia then Slory levelled. Tristan Kuijsten saved Serbia's second kick and all five from the Netherlands were converted to sent them into an eighth U17 final, one ahead of Spain's old record.

However, the Netherlands were unable to add to their mark of four titles in the U17 era, as France added to their victories in 2004 and 2015. Their two-goal hero Saël Kumbedi said: "I never would have thought I'd score twice in the final. I'm so happy for the whole team, the staff. It's been an incredible tournament, and to score twice, I can't find the words to describe it."