Diamantakos double sparks Greek joy

Greece have qualified for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship for the first time in dramatic style.

Trailing Finland with six minutes left, elite round Group 3 hosts Greece looked set to miss out on top spot to the Republic of Ireland. But captain Dimitrios Diamantakos equalised and then claimed the winner two minutes from time to send Greece to the finals in Liechtenstein from 18 to 30 May.

Coach Leonidas Vokolos said: "We are overjoyed and feel that our efforts have paid off. We confirmed on the pitch that we are a high-quality team. I feel the need to congratulate my players for their determination and courage to turn today's match around. The secret of our success is that our team is like a family."

Top of the group at kick-off, Greece were full of confidence early on and Charalampos Mavrias, Diamantakos and Georgios Katidis all came close in the first half. However, Finland picked up after the interval and on 48 minutes captain Valmir Seferi's free-kick was parried by Stefanos Kapino into the path of Mikko-Petteri Latosaari, who pulled back for Tim Väyrynen to score from close range.

While Ireland's comfortable lead against Austria gave Finland no hope of topping the pool, they were heading for provisional second place and an outside chance of qualifying. However, Greece had not given up and were level when Finland goalkeeper Riku Santeri Aaltonen lost the ball under pressure from Mavroudis Bougaidis and Diamantakos turned it in. Four minutes later Diamantakos raced on to a Spyridon Fourlanos through ball and kept a cool head to beat Aaltonen and earn Greece a spot in the 7 April finals draw. Diamantakos said: "We are very happy. We showed that we are mentally strong and deservedly made it to the finals."