Spain squeeze through to finals

Holders Spain are through to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Germany this May after a narrow victory over the Czech Republic helped them finish top of last Elite round Group 2.

Sarabia goal
Spain knew they had to win this game to keep alive their hopes of a third straight U17 title while the Czech Republic, ahead on goal difference, required victory or a high-scoring draw of 3-3 or more to be sure of first place, and indeed would have required that as Belgium were to defeat Kazakhstan 5-0. However, Pablo Sarabia's early goal took Spain into the finals in Germany from 6-18 May, with the draw on 3 April in Leipzig.

Close call
Mini-tournament hosts Spain took the initiative after just two minutes as Sarabia picked up possession in a central position before smashing a powerful shot past Czech Republic goalkeeper Michal Karabina. They had the chance to double their lead in the 20th minute but Karabina comfortably saved Borja González's penalty. The Czech Republic came more into the game as it progressed with Václav Kadlec, scorer of two goals in both of the Czech Republic's previous Elite round games, causing Spain problems. But despite a late onslaught, Ginés Meléndez's side held out to seal qualification.