Starlets start Belgian bonanza

Opening matches
Five different countries have won the five previous tournaments, and of that quintet only France will compete between today and 13 May for this year's crown. Les Mini-Bleus take on Spain - six times the winners at U16 level, the precursor to this event - in the opening televised game (16.00CET) in Verviers, while in the other Group A game two hours later Germany tackle Ukraine in Eupen. Vise is the other venue in the eastern-based group.

Belgium meet Dutch
Germany and Spain both competed in the 2006 finals in Luxembourg, as did hosts Belgium who begin in Group B with a much-anticipated derby against the Netherlands at 18.00. Before that England are in Ronse to meet an Iceland team who eliminated the holders Russia to reach the U17 finals for the first time. Tournai is the other western venue in this pool, and Belgium will play their remaining group matches there.

Route to final
The group stage continues on Friday and Monday, with the top two teams progressing to next Thursday's semi-finals in Tubize and Tournai. That quartet will also advance to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea Republic later this year along with the winners of a fifth-placed play-off in Vise. The final is on Sunday 13 May at 17.45 in Tournai, one of nine matches televised live on Eurosport, UEFA's official broadcast partner for youth tournaments. uefa.com has reports and reaction from every match, features, interviews and - for the first time - a daily vodcast from Belgium.

All kick-off times CET
Matches in bold shown on Eurosport