Ireland lead Sweden into Elite round

The Republic of Ireland and Sweden made their way through from UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round Group 6.

Bulgaria pipped
Victories against hosts Bulgaria and Latvia had booked Ireland's place in the Elite round even before their concluding game against Sweden. That finished 0-0, meaning Sweden finished a point ahead of Bulgaria despite their concluding 4-0 win against Latvia.

Timely Purdy
Sweden left it until the last 12 minutes to beat Latvia 2-0. Aigars Catlakš was sent off for Latvia after a second booking on 56 minutes and Anton Magnusson broke the deadlock before Amin Nazari's penalty. Ireland led Bulgaria through Frankie Sutherland just before the break but Todor Nedelev equalised in the last minute, only for Daniel Purdy to win the game 2-1 deep into added time.

Ireland through
Seán McCaffrey's side ensured their campaign would continue in spring thanks to another late winner two days later, substitute Aiden O'Brien scoring the only goal against Latvia with one minute remaining. Sweden held on to second place with a 0-0 draw against Bulgaria.

Sweden safe
Another goalless game against Ireland ensured Sweden took second place and will enter the 9 December Elite round draw. Bulgaria overcame Latvia with two first-half goals from Asen Georgiev and further strikes from Martin Kozhuharov and Nikolay Ivanov Botev after the break, but must wait to see if they will be one of the two third-placed teams with the best record against the top pair in their pool to progress. Their draw with Sweden means they edge Denmark from Group 3 out of the current reckoning.