Switzerland

Switzerland won the first UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2002, with the likes of Reto Ziegler, Philippe Senderos and Tranquillo Barnetta in the squad, and have remained a force at this level. That potential was realised most dramatically in 2009 when, having reached the last four of the continental finals in Germany, they travelled to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria and beat the hosts 1-0 to lift the title, becoming only the third European nation to do so.

This is the fifth European finals appearance in seven attempts for Switzerland, sealed after a remarkable elite round campaign that saw them score all three of their goals in the last five minutes of games. It was enough for victories over Spain and Wales – who failed to muster a shot on target between them – and a draw with Russia. "Credit to the players for this success," said coach Yves Débonnaire. "We may not have always been at a high level technically, but our mental fortitude always stood out."

Qualifying round: Austria 4-0, Kazakhstan 3-0, Denmark 0-0 (Group 12 winners)

Elite round: Wales 1-0, Russia 1-1, Spain 1-0 (Group 1 winners)

Key players
Albian Ajeti (forward, FC Basel 1893), Senad Mujovic (goalkeeper, Grasshopper Club), Roberto Alves (midfielder, Grasshopper Club)

Coach: Yves Débonnaire

Date of Birth: 12 December 1956
Nationality: Swiss
Playing career: FC Vevey Sports, FC Sion
Coaching career: FC Sion, Switzerland U16 (twice), Switzerland U17 (three times)

A former midfielder and one-time teacher, Débonnaire is now in his third spell as coach of the U17 side. He alternates between the U16 and U17 set-ups, which means he can work with one set of players for a longer period. It has paid off, and this will be his third shot at the title after successfully leading the team to the finals in 2005 and 2008, suffering group stage elimination on each occasion.

Team records

Qualifying top scorer
 Albian Ajeti: 5

UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
Winners: 2002

Other honours
FIFA U-17 World Cup
Winners: 2009