Lepiller's winner too late for France

Holders France defeated Scotland 1-0 in their final Group 6 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying match on Saturday, but it wasn't enough to prevent Turkey from finishing top and sealing the group's only qualifying place for the finals in Italy in May.

French pride
France won the championship on home soil last year, but they will not be able to defend their trophy in Italy despite salvaging some pride by defeating Scotland. Saturday's result, however, could not make up for a disappointing start to the Elite round with defeats by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Only goal
Guy Ferrier's side scored in the 35th minute of the match through Matthias Lepiller, and although Scotland pressed for an equaliser, they could not break down a solid France defence. Scotland finished second in the group on goal difference, having earlier defeated Azerbaijan and lost to Turkey, with France bottom.