Switzerland and Austria progress from Group 6
Monday, October 15, 2012
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Switzerland held sway in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group 6, a draw against Austria on the final day meaning their opponents also went through.
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A point against the section winners on a rain-soaked final day meant Austria joined Switzerland in progressing from UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round Group 6.
Switzerland had already clinched an elite round slot before today's matches, having beaten the Faroe Islands 3-0 and Cyprus 5-1. Hosts Austria had been held by on the opening day by Cyprus, who were left behind by Austria after both matchday three fixtures finished 1-1.
On the opening day, Austria had much the better of their match against Cyprus but could not find a way past goalkeeper Andreas Nikolas Christodoulou – Valentino Lazaro hitting the crossbar and Tobias Pellegrini missing several chances including one in added time. By contrast, Switzerland broke the deadlock against the Faroe Islands in the first minute through Kilian Pagliuca and in the second half Marsel Stevic and Marco Trachsel completed the victory.
They were safely through two days later as, after falling behind to a Giorgos Katsiati goal for Cyprus, Deni Kadoic, Jolan Forestal, Meriton Bytyqi and – following a red card for Giorgos Siathas – substitutes Romain Kursner and Albian Ajeti ensured a comfortable Swiss win. Austria were also in the goals, Pellegrini and Adrian Grbic both striking twice in a 6-0 elimination of the Faroe Islands.
That meant Austria needed a point against the Swiss to make sure of joining their opponents in the elite round, but their prospects looked bleak when Trachsel opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Austria responded and levelled through Grbic 11 minutes after half-time, holding on for the result they needed.
Cyprus could therefore only finish third at best regardless of their result against the Faroes, who looked on course for a win that would have taken them above their opponents when Betuel Hansen gave them a 55th-minute advantage. Cyprus poured forward and, though Andys Antreas Nikolaou equalised deep into added time, it was not enough for a win. However, the draw does not harm their hopes of progressing as one of the two runners-up with the best record against the leading pair in their group; they currently are top of that reckoning with seven pools completed.
