Portugal pip Croatia to Liechtenstein

Goals from substitutes Ricardo Esgaio and Ivan Cavaleiro ended Portugal's six-year wait to qualify for a UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament.

The 2003 winners finished third the following year but have not qualified since. That ended today as although they trailed elite round Group 2 opponents Croatia at kick-off, Portugal struck twice in the second half to earn top spot and a trip to Liechtenstein in the last two weeks of May.

Portugal dominated the midfield from the off but Croatia, requiring only a draw thanks to their two-point advantage at the top, defended stoutly and allowed no real chances before the break. However, Esgaio was introduced on 50 minutes and not long afterwards met a Mateus Fonseca corner with a precise header.

At the other end Danijel Miškić's header from Croatia captain Marko Livaja's cross forced a save from André Pereira but Portugal were still pushing and Bruma sent Betinho clear on goal only for the forward to shoot over. In added time all doubt was removed when Cavaleiro, introduced with six minutes remaining, sent in a powerful strike via the underside of the bar and Portugal will be in the 7 April draw while Croatia's campaign is over.

Former international Rui Bento, the Portugal coach, said: "I am very satisfied, as this is my first year as U17 coach and my first tournament. I am even more satisfied, because my team know how to get an important win, how to play for a win and how to cope with pressure. This is important step for them, in their growing up as players and men. After this very difficult tournament, against good teams and on not great pitches, I think we are mentally and tehnically prepared for the final tournament. We will fight for the title, that's for sure."

Croatia coach Ivan Gudelj added: "I must congratulate Portugal, they deserved this victory. In the first half we defended well, we stopped all our opponents' moves. But one corner and the first goal changed everything. Then we had to take a risk, leave a lot of space and conceded another goal."