Halimi sparks Swiss celebrations
Saturday, April 2, 2005
Article summary
Switzerland 2-1 Denmark Beqim Halimi strikes with three minutes to go to take Switzerland into the finals.
Article body
Beqim Halimi's goal three minutes from time took Switzerland into the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in Italy next month at the expense of Elite round Group 1 hosts Spain.
Holding the edge
Having already defeated Poland 4-2 and drawn 1-1 with Spain - thanks to a late Halimi equaliser - Switzerland knew that as long as they matched the hosts' result against the Poles in today's other final game, they would win the group and qualify.
Rakitic goal
Four minutes in Ivan Rakitic gave the 2001/02 U17 champions the lead, and so although Spain took an 18th-minute lead in their game, Switzerland remained in pole position to ended Friday's draw in Pisa.
Late twists
However, Nicklas Bendtner equalised for Denmark with nine minutes remaining, meaning the Swiss slipped behind Denmark in the provisional standings. But Halimi again scored in the nick of time, and with Spain unable to increase their 1-0 lead, they had been denied a U17 finals place for the first time despite, like the Swiss, ending the round unbeaten.