Draw does not suit rivals

Portugal and Iceland lost ground in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 5 after a goalless draw in Obidos.

Russia ahead
Both these teams picked up one point on Matchday 1; Portugal were held 0-0 by Russia, Iceland finished 2-2 against Northern Ireland. As Russia defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 in the other match today, both the group hosts and Iceland find themselves two points behind the defending champions. Portugal, who took the title in 2003 but have not qualified for the last two final tournaments, now must beat Northern Ireland in Peniche on Saturday and hope Russia slip up against Iceland in Caldas da Rainha. To qualify for their first U17 finals, Iceland need to defeat Russia and ensure their winning margin is more than Portugal manage if Carlos Dinis's side also prevail.