Dutch withstand Finnish surge

A 14th-minute goal from Ferdi Sönmez ensured the Netherlands got off to a winning start on home soil in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 1, despite a ferocious fightback from Finland.

Winning goal
Netherlands coach Ruud Kaiser suffered a blow on the eve of the tournament with PSV Eindhoven defender Eelco Horsten breaking his ankle. Feyenoord's Clint van Stee came into the squad and the Netherlands, undaunted, started impressively here. Nonetheless, when Sönmez tried a shot from just inside the area, there seemed to be little danger until it somehow deceived Finland goalkeeper Juha Tuisku and crept in.

Dutch hold on
After the break, however, the 1,300 spectators in Tegelen saw a very different match. Although Jordi Schell turned a Nick Kuiper cross just past the Finland goal, it was the visitors who dominated, taking control of the midfield. Patrik Lomski and Akseli Pelvas both went close, and Teemu Pukki was sent through in the dying minutes only for his effort from the edge of the box to fly over.

Coach's relief
Kaiser said: "We should have made it 2-0, but that did not happen. Because of that, Finland kept on believing. I am very happy we were still ahead at the end." On Sunday in Gemet his team meet a Germany side fresh from a 4-0 victory over Northern Ireland, who face Finland in Venray. If the Dutch win and Finland avoid defeat, Kaiser's men will have pipped Germany to the finals for a second year running.