Last-gasp Iceland join Switzerland
Monday, October 17, 2011
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A goal against hosts Israel with three minutes left by Stefán Thór Pálsson lifted Iceland from fourth to first in Group 13 and took them through along with Switzerland at Greece's expense.
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Iceland and Switzerland made progress from UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round Group 13 after a dramatic final day when all four teams began on three points.
First place went to Iceland, who defeated hosts Israel 1-0, Stefán Thór Pálsson scoring with three minutes left to take his side from provisional fourth position in one swoop, their opponents having had Ramzi Safuri sent off. Switzerland followed on goal difference following their 0-0 draw with Greece, who would have joined them in the elite round but for Iceland's late winner.
It seemed after matchday one that Switzerland and Greece were destined to go through. Switzerland beat Iceland 5-1, having been three up in 22 minutes thanks to Shani Tarashaj, Gent Mazreku and Daniel Garetto, while Greece overcame Israel 4-1 with Vassilis Papadopoulos striking twice.
However, two days later Iceland defeated Greece 1-0 when Páll Thorsteinsson turned in a Pálsson cross. Israel, having been two down at the break, came back in a 17-minute burst with goals from Safuri, substitute Michael Ohana and Eli Harush to defeat Switzerland 3-2 despite Amer Masarwa's subsequent red card.