Belarus make the breakthrough

Victory needed
Both sides had won their openers on Sunday - Belarus against Russia and Bulgaria versus Finland - and Russia's success against Finland earlier today meant that Belarus knew that a win here would guarantee them first place and a trip to Italy in May as neither Bulgaria nor Russia would be able to overtake them due to their head-to-head record.

Belarus ahead
Prolific Belarussian captain Siarhei Kisly gave his team the lead after just five minutes and by the 12-minute mark it was 2-0 as Stanislau Drahun's free-kick deflected in off Georgi Korudjiev. Just before the break, though, Bulgaria were given hope when Dimitar Iliev was brought down in the penalty area and Nikolai Petrov reduced the deficit from the spot.

Bulgaria eliminated
The hosts dominated the second period, but Belarus held firm and proved strong on the counterattack, Mikhail Sivakou hitting the crossbar. With five minutes to go the game, and the group, were decided as Bulgaria goalkeeper Nikolai Mihailov brought down Drahun and Sivakou converted the penalty.

Thursday games
Having matched the achievement of their 1993/94 U16 and U18 squads as well as the 2004 U21 side in making the European Championship finals for their age group, Belarus play Finland on Thursday in Blagoevgrad before turning their attention to the draw in Pisa on 8 April. Bulgaria, meanwhile, will hope to defeat Russia in Dupnitza to pick up second place.