Azeris end holders' hopes
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Article summary
France 0-2 Azerbaijan Goals from Tagim Novruzov and Nizami Hajiyev end France's dreams of retaining the trophy.
Article body
France's hopes of defending the UEFA European Under-17 Championship title they won on home soil last summer were dashed as Azerbaijan inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the holders.
Second defeat
The result left Guy Ferrier's team bottom of Group 6 in the Elite round and, after a 1-0 loss to the hosts Turkey on Tuesday, ended their hopes of qualifying for this year's finals in Italy. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, must overcome section leaders Turkey on Saturday to have any hope of progressing, with France ending their campaign against Scotland the same day.
Goal in each half
In Soke, France fell behind in the 17th minute as Tagim Novruzov gave Azerbaijan the lead and, although Ferrier's players searched ceaselessly for a way back into the contest, Nizami Hajiyev's strike 12 minutes into the second half ended their hopes.