Netherlands edge Georgia to move clear

The Netherlands took control of UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 1 with victory against Georgia but they will have to wait to book their place in May's finals in Liechtenstein.

Although Adam Maher's early goal was quickly cancelled out by Giorgi Chanturia in the meeting of the Matchday 1 winners, Jürgen Locadia made it 2-1 with 11 minutes left and the Georgia goalscorer was then sent off. It seemed the Netherlands would be securing a fourth straight qualification, but the Czech Republic's late winner against Ukraine means that the 2009 runners-up still need a point against the group hosts on Tuesday to ensure qualification.

Maher turned in a ball from the Netherlands midfield to break the deadlock just before the quarter-hour, but two minutes later Chanturia struck from 15 metres out. The Netherlands ended the half strongly and were awarded a 38th-minute penalty for a foul by Davit Skhirtladze, yet Ouasim Bouy was only able to hit a post from the spot.

Bouy then forced goalkeeper Davit Legashvili to save early in the second half, before Locadia struck from close range in the 69th minute after the Georgia defence proved unable to clear. A second yellow card three minutes later ended Chanturia's game.