Timely Greece through with Sweden

A last-gasp goal by Eleftherios Kanatas took UEFA European Under-17 qualifying round Group 7 hosts Greece past Austria into the Elite round along with Sweden, who progressed despite being held by Liechtenstein in their last game.

Late heartbreak
With one set of games left, Austria and Sweden had four points and Greece only three, so the home nation knew victory was vital if they were to progress to the next stage in the spring. Sweden were aware a point against Liechtenstein in Sapes would be enough and although they fell behind to a 28th-minute David Hasler goal, Jiloan Hamad secured a 1-1 draw with 16 minutes left, Liechtenstein's first ever European U17 Championship point. Austria, also knowing a draw would suffice in Komotini, fell behind on the half-hour to Savas Gkentzoglou but seemed to be heading through when Dimitrios Anastasopoulos scored an own goal as the game entered added time. But in the third extra minute Kanatas had the final word and Greece claimed first place a point ahead of Sweden.

Penalties prove vital
The group had begun promisingly for Greece with a comfortable 4-1 win against Liechtenstein in Sapes. Anastasopoulos converted a 15th-minute penalty and Ioannis Skondras swiftly added a second before Serafeim Housidis struck with another Greek spot-kick on 28 minutes. Housidis made it four early in the second period, but the game ended on a low note for Greece as Anastasopoulos was sent off and Daniel Kaufmann claimed a Liechtenstein consolation with a penalty of their own. There was also two penalties in Komotini as Austria drew 2-2 with Sweden. Jakob Johansson put Sweden ahead on two minutes but early in the second half both Thomas Helly and Christopher Drazan struck from the spot for Austria, although substitute Hamad swiftly restored parity.

Austrian record
There was no danger of Austria losing the lead two days later against Liechtenstein as they hit ten without reply, equalling their record margin of victory for any UEFA competition. Andreas Weimann and Drazan both scored four goals and David Harrer and Alexander Fuchshofer were also on target. Sweden set themselves up for the final day with a 2-0 win against Greece, Dejan Doslic scoring on 14 minutes and Argyrios Samios putting through his own net early in the second period. But despite another own goal in Greece's concluding match, they will join Sweden in the Elite round draw on 5 December in Nyon.