Group 2: Poland back on track

2001 UEFA European Under-18 Championship winners Poland have advanced to the intermediate round of the 2002/03 UEFA European Under-19 Championship after topping the Group 2 mini-tournament in Sweden.

Two wins and a draw
Poland did not qualify for the first U19 tournament, which was held in Norway last summer, but two wins and a draw were enough to earn seven points and a place in Group 2 of the second qualifying round - admittedly a forbidding section as it also includes current Under-19 holders Spain, France and Israel. The side that finishes top of that group will qualify for next summer's eight-team showpiece event in Liechtenstein.

Opening games
Poland's campaign began with a 1-0 win against Belarus, Pawel Iwanicki's 79th-minute goal proving the difference between the two sides. The other opening game, between hosts Sweden and Croatia ended in a 0-0 draw, giving the Polish team a two-point advantage at the top of the table.

Group tightens up
The next round of games saw the group situation tighten up as Poland and Sweden drew 0-0 while Croatia beat the Belarussians 2-1, with goals from Niko Kranjcar and Stiven Rivic, to move right into contention for top spot.

Topolski strike decisive
Sweden, Croatia and Poland all entered their final games entertaining hopes of finishing in the top two and reaching the next round. Poland ultimately won out though by beating the Croatians 1-0, Dawid Topolski's eighth-minute goal proving decisive.

Sweden also through
Meanwhile, Sweden came from 2-1 down to beat Belarus 3-2 and secure second place. They will play in second qualifying round Group 3 alongside Russia, Portugal and whichever side tops first qualifying round Group 6.