Last-gasp Alexe wins Romania reprieve

A last-gasp equaliser from Marius Alexe denied Norway a second successive victory in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group 5 and kept Romania in contention for a place in this summer's final tournament.

Thrilling finale
Both sides had opened their Elite round challenges with victories on Monday, but neither was able to gain the upper hand in Saint-Lo. The catalyst for a vibrant conclusion to the game proved to be the 72nd-minute dismissal of Romania's Florin Bejan, with Pål Helland turning Norway's numerical superiority into a one-goal lead within two minutes. Romania's ten men refused to buckle, however, and drew level through Alexe with a minute remaining, and there was still time for Norway striker Mushaga Bakenga to become the second player to be dismissed. The result leaves both sides on four points with Romania top of the section on goal difference ahead of Saturday's final fixtures, with Romania facing hosts France and Norway taking on Latvia.