Switzerland edge past Wales

Switzerland survived a fightback by Wales to clinch first place in UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship first qualifying round Group 1.

Switzerland hold on
With only one team to progress by right to the second qualifying round, Switzerland went into Matchday 3 on home soil two points ahead of Wales. In the decider in Weinfelden, Switzerland led 2-0 on eight minutes thanks to an own goal and an Annina Spahr strike. Sophie Ingle pulled one back on 32 minutes and Lyndsey Davies equalised with half an hour left, but Switzerland held on for a draw and first place. Wales must wait to see if they end up as one of the six runners-up from the ten groups with the best record against the teams finishing first and third.

Wales start well
Wales did lead the group after Matchday 1 after beating Cyprus 10-0 in Frauenfeld. Yasmin Leung scored four goals and Davies, Emily Brown, Cori Williams, Laura May Walkley, Jasmin Dutton and Sharla Passierello added further strikes. Switzerland overcame Lithuania 5-0 in Wil, Spahr claiming a hat-trick and Rahel Kiwic scoring twice.

Hosts ahead
The hosts then took control of the group with a 4-0 win against Cyprus in Frauenfeld. Cinzia Jörg scored on 17 minutes and Donika Dzeladini, substitute Nicole Heer and Julie Ruchet completed the victory in the final nine minutes. Wales, meanwhile, were held 2-2 by Lithuania in Weinfelden, which left them needing a victory against Switzerland today. Whiles Wales were being held again by the hosts, Lithuania clinched third place with 2-0 win against Cyprus in Wil, a result which weakened the chance of Wales going through as one of the best runners-up.