Tafer double ensures France progression

Striker Yannis Tafer scored both goals as France finished as Group B runners-up to reach the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals where they will face hosts Turkey.

Four-goal Tafer
Les Mini-Bleus dominated the game, especially in the second half, and took the points thanks to the clinical finishing of Tafer – now the top goalscorer at the finals with four goals in his three games. Switzerland, who would have qualified for Tuesday's semi-finals with a win, rarely threatened against a well-organised France outfit.

Disallowed goals
France started the game with an attacking mentality and captain Gueida Fofana tested Swiss goalkeeper René Borkovic three minutes in. The game quickly became tighter with both sides having a goal disallowed – Switzerland captain Michael Lang's strike cancelled out due to an offside and Tafer suffering in the same manner shortly after.

Precise finish
But a long pass from the back proved Switzerland's undoing as Tafer, who had scored in both previous games in Turkey, supplied a precise shot from the centre of the area to make it 1-0 after 33 minutes. France had the first chance of the second half as they looked to double their advantage but Gaël Kakuta's free-kick was dealt with comfortably by Borkovic.

Right place
Gilles Sunu's fine run down the left flank a minute later created the second goal for Les Mini-Bleus as his strike from a narrow angle was parried by custodian Borkovic. Tafer was in the right place to fire in for the fourth time in the competition.

Rare attack
Arsenal FC midfielder Sunu missed the target as France looked for more while Swiss midfielder Patrick Dürig's effort was snuffed out during a rare foray forwards. Francis Smerecki's charges were in control from then on with Loïc Nego's shot cleared off the line and, after Tafer was substituted to a rousing ovation, William Remy's free-kick tipped over late on. However Spain's 3-1 defeat of the Republic of Ireland pipped France into second place.