Brilliant Belgium earn their chance

Belgium turned on the style to secure a win against Slovakia that takes them into the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals for the first time.

Early goal
Last in UEFA's junior finals in 2001 when it was an U16 event, Belgium trailed Switzerland on goal difference in Elite round Group 4 at kick-off today, with pool hosts Poland a point behind. A late Swiss equaliser two days ago had denied Belgium the victory that would have given them a berth in Luxembourg regardless of their result here, but Eric Abrams's side were quickly into their stride, with Livio D'Amires striking in the first minute against a Slovakia team defeated in their previous group matches.

Qualification assured
Gael Arend doubled the lead nine minutes later, and in the 19th minute Jelle Vossen added a third. It was still 0-0 at half-time in Poland's game with Switzerland, and Belgium were further boosted when Toby Alderweireld made it four not long before the hour. Poland then scored what proved the only goal against the Swiss, meaning Belgium topped the group by one point. Belgium now enter the finals draw a week today in Luxembourg, and will cross the border for the finals between 3 and 14 May.