Clinical Turkey book finals ticket

Turkey secured the win against Norway they needed to book a place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals for the third year running.

Top of elite round Group 5 at kick-off, Turkey had their fate in their own hands and the 2005 champions struck early in each half. They will go into the draw on 7 April and compete in Liechtenstein from 16 to 30 May.

Norway had a mathematical chance of going to the finals if they won but were on the defensive from the off and behind in the 11th minute when Okay Yokuslu exploited defensive hesitation to shoot home from near the penalty spot. Following the goal Norway got more into the game, though goalkeeper Roy Andre Dyrdal had to make a fine save from Tekin Cagri's powerful long-range effort.

Dyrdal was beaten for the second time four minutes after the interval, Taskin Calis's free-kick only half cleared and his cross turned in at the far post by the sliding Oğuzhan Azğar. Turkey were proving the more effective team going forward and Dyrdal, who had proved vital in keeping the scoreline down in their 1-0 loss to France, did well to keep out Calis late on.

Abdullah Ercan, who led last year's Turkey squad to the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter-finals, said: "It is a source of huge pride to top a group which features a strong team like France. The Norway match was quite stressful for my players but I expect them to put on a better performance at the finals in Liechtenstein.

"My players are taking firm steps towards being a real 'team'. Like last year, it is a big achievement to reach the finals. However, such successes must not make us forget our primary mission which is breeding players for the Under-21 and senior national teams. If we can achieve this, then we'll be completely successful."