Czechs through at Dutch expense

The Czech Republic qualified for their first UEFA European Under-17 Championship since losing the 2006 final on penalties with victory against the Netherlands.

At kick-off the Netherlands were three points clear of the elite round Group 1 hosts, having beaten both Ukraine and Georgia. But Martin Hurka's early goal proved enough to secure a Czech victory and as Georgia were held 2-2 by Ukraine, the home side topped the pool ahead of last season's runners-up on head-to-head record. The Czechs therefore go into the draw on 7 April for the Liechtenstein finals from 18 to 30 May.

In a tight first half, Hurka broke the deadlock on 16 minutes with a fine shot from just inside the box. The windy conditions were making attractive play difficult and only near the end did the Netherlands create chances, their best coming when Lesley de Sa put in a fine cross from the right seven minutes from time only for Jürgen Locadia to miss from close range. It is the first time the Netherlands have not qualified for the U17 finals since Albert Stuivenberg took over in 2006.

Czech Republic coach Jiří Štol told UEFA.com: "We played them a month ago so we knew the strength of the Netherlands team. We tried to close down their midfield and defence, and we also knew we had to win, so we played with two forwards. It was a hard match but the players showed their quality. I am happy that everything ended well for us in this game and this mini-tournament."