England and Denmark in finals
Sunday, March 30, 2008
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Denmark and England have joined France in the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship finals in Switzerland after clinching two of the three remaining berths.
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Denmark pip Finland
Five teams remained in contention in second qualifying round Groups 1 and 4 and in both cases the outcomes went to the wire. Group 4 in Denmark was decided on Saturday with the hosts beginning the day level with Finland on goal difference and two points ahead of Russia. At half-time Finland had the edge as they led eliminated Iceland 1-0 while Denmark were at 0-0 against Russia. But after the break Amanda Hohol and Britta Olsen struck for Denmark, and although Finland were by now 4-2 up, they were unable to score the further goal that would have drawn them level in first place.
England qualify
Group 1 was completed in the Czech Republic on Sunday with the Netherlands needing to defeat leaders England to pip them to the finals. The Netherlands pushed hard for the requisite victory, but England held on for a goalless draw that sets up a 20 May semi-final in Nyon against Group 2 winners France. The Czech Republic beat Belgium 3-1 for third place, while Denmark's semi-final opposition will be the winners of Group 3, which Germany will stage against Switzerland, Poland and Sweden from 10-15 April.