Czechs complete U17 lineup

Holders out
Among the teams topped by the Czechs in Elite round Group 3 were Turkey, victors in Italy a year ago, and the previous champions France. Indeed none of the eight qualifiers this time around played in those finals 12 months ago, or has ever won the U17 Championship, and surprisingly not one of the seven Elite round mini-tournament hosts won their groups.

Spain and Germany through
Spain, six times champions at U16 level, were the first team to secure a place, other than the hosts, as they finished three points clear of Wales and Cyprus in Group 5. A day later Germany were through, pipping Group 1 hosts the Netherlands - runners-up in 2005 - on goal difference.

Belgium first
Also out unbeaten on home soil were Portugal two points behind Hungary, who shared the best Elite round record with Germany. The same day Belgium made their first U17 finals, finishing on a 4-0 win against Slovakia to leave home nation Poland and Switzerland in their wake.

Serbo-Montenegrin recovery
Serbia and Montenegro followed a defeat by Israel with victories in Group 6 against Romania and eight-man hosts the Republic of Ireland to top that pool. Russia took their place on Saturday with a 2-1 win against Group 7 hosts England before the Czech triumph today.

Platini makes draw
French legend Michel Platini, a UEFA Executive Committee member, will conduct the draw along with UEFA Youth and Amateur Committee chairman Jim Boyce at 18.00 CET on Thursday at Mamer Castle. The four teams will be spilt into two groups of four for the finals between 3-14 May.

UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers
Hosts: Luxembourg
Group 1: Germany
Group 2: Hungary
Group 3: Czech Republic
Group 4: Belgium
Group 5: Spain
Group 6: Serbia and Montenegro
Group 7: Russia