Banušić inspires Sweden in Hungary

Sweden won the last of the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship first qualifying round mini-tournaments with three impressive Group 3 victories in Hungary.

It all came down to a decider today between Sweden and the hosts after both picked up three points against Croatia and Bulgaria. Marija Banušić scored a hat-trick as Sweden defeated Hungary 5-0, taking her top of the scorers; charts in the first qualifying round with 11 goals, a record for this stage. Hungary are out, unable to progress as one of the four runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their sections across the ten groups.

Within 34 minutes of their opener against Croatia, Sweden were five up, eventually winning 6-0 with two goals each from Fanny Anderrsson and Banušić. Fanni Diószegi also struck twice as Hungary defeated Bulgaria 3-0. Two days later Sweden overcame Bulgaria 10-0 with Banušić managing six of the goals. Hungary defeated Croatia 4-0 to give themselves a chance today.

However Banušić broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when she headed in a corner from Maja Andersson. The hat-trick came in the second half when she latched on to a long ball a quarter-hour past the break, and headed in 13 minutes later. Maja Andersson will also look back on a fine week in Hungary, her marvellous individual goal against Bulgaria being one of the tournament highlights.

The hosts remained in the game until just before the break when Lina Hurtig pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to double Sweden's lead which never looked in doubt until the finish. Sweden dominated the second half, with substitute Amanda Skyltbäck sealing the victory eight minutes before the end. Croatia drew 2-2 with Bulgaria today to finish third.