Tuesday’s UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship Elite Qualifying Round results saw Germany join Netherlands and hosts Bulgaria in the finals, while Republic of Ireland beat Scotland and Northern Ireland were hit for six by Portugal.
Republic of Ireland’s Blessing Kingsley got the only goal of the game on 32 minutes to beat Scotland at Ainslie Park and take second spot in Group 4. Ireland goalkeeper, Courtney Maguire, also had a big part to play in the tie, making a fantastic save from Rosie McQuillan in the second half to keep her side on top.
Germany topped the table with a 4-0 defeat of Norway in which Natasha Kowalski and Sophie Weidauer scored before a second yellow card for Thale Listerud saw the Norwegians reduced to ten players. Jule Brand and Gentiana Fetaj then added one each very late in the game.
Group 5 has France and Portugal joint top with identical records after France beat Czech Republic 2-0 with goals by Vicki Becho and Célina Ould Hocine, Portugal thrashed Northern Ireland 6-0. Francisca Nazareth netted right at the start and finish of the first half, Lara Pintassilgo and Marta Ferreira added one apiece, with Sofia Silva converting a late penalty and Maria Negrão also on target deep into added time.
Spain lead Poland on goal-difference in before their decisive Group 3 clash. A Sara Carrillo Moreno goal on half time gave Spain victory over Sweden, while Poland edged Slovakia with Amelia Bińkowska’s 19th-minute effort.
England play Greece on Wednesday afternoon needing only a draw to reach the finals, while Wales play their second match against Austria.
