Group 9: France and Russia advance

France romped into the second qualifying round of the 2002/03 UEFA European Under-19 Championship after topping the Group 9 mini-tournament in Moscow.

Winner-takes-all
A 72nd-minute goal from Chaouki Ben Saada in Les Bleus' final group game against Russia sealed a 1-0 win and top spot. For the Russian hosts there was the consolation that second place was enough to also earn them a place in the next round.

French romps
Earlier, France had romped past Luxembourg 4-0, with Sébastien Grax scoring twice, and Albania 9-0, in a game that saw doubles from Grax, Ben Saada and Jamel Ait Ben Idir.

Russia almost match France
Russia almost matched France's form, overcoming Albania 5-0 and Luxembourg 3-0, with Lojkine and Guerk scoring in both games, to set up the final showdown with the French. Meanwhile, the wooden spoon match went the way of Luxembourg as they beat Albania 2-1.

Making amends
In the second qualifying round France will face Poland, Israel and holders Spain in Group 2. The French will be keen to qualify to make amends for their failure to reach last season's finals in Norway. However only the top team in the group will reach next summer's finals in Liechtenstein so the section is sure to be fiercely contested.

Russia wait and see
Russia, meanwhile, will be in second qualifying round Group 3, alongside Portugal, Sweden and whichever side wins Group 6 in the first qualifying round.