Cyprus share joy with Hungary

Cyprus made progress in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship for the first time as they went through from the qualifying round behind hosts Hungary in Group 10.

Cypriot delight
The decisive match was the very first in Andrashida as Cyprus defeated an injury-hit Scotland 1-0, Georgios Efrem scoring the only goal three minutes into the second half. Hungary overcame Albania 5-1 in Zalaegerszeg on the same day. The hosts trailed at half-time to an Adam Presinger own goal, but Mark Nikhazi took only six minutes to equalise after the break, and two Krisztian Nemeth goals then sandwiched a László Szabó strike for Hungary before Arber Malaj put through his own net five minutes from time to complete the scoring.

Scotland bounce back
Scotland bounced back on Matchday 2 in Andrashida with a 3-0 win against ten-man Albania. Eridom Idmzi's dismissal for a second booking early in the second half was followed by Rangers FC striker Steven Kinniburgh scoring in the 59th and 65th minutes. Christopher Maguire scored a third late in the game.

Hosts take control
Hungary then took control of the group, defeating Cyprus 2-0. Nemeth took seven minutes to score in Zalaegerszeg, Kastanas Pierakis was sent off with eleven minutes to go and Ádám Dudás then scored his side's second goal against the ten men.

Standings confirmed
The hosts confirmed their place in the Elite round draw with a 2-0 win in against Scotland in Zalaegerszeg, Nemeth and Szabó getting the goals. Cyprus made sure of second place by defeating Albania by the same score in Andrashida thanks to two Stefanos Georgiou strikes.

Best performance
It is Cyprus's best performance in this competition since it became a U17 event in 2001/92, though they did reach the 1990 and 1992 U16 finals, the latter as hosts. Scotland cannot progress as the best third-placed team.