Denmark win ends Latvia hopes

A late Frederik Holst strike was enough to give Denmark all three UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 3 points and end Latvia's hopes in Greece.

Denmark dominated long periods of the match with Viktor Fischer a constant menace and although Latvia looked set to be rewarded for their resilience, Holst's 76th-minute goal settled matters. Denmark now trail Greece only on goal difference and are two points ahead of their opponents in Monday's deciders, the Republic of Ireland. With two losses, meanwhile, Latvia are out regardless of their result against the hosts.

With Latvia seemingly content to soak up Denmark pressure, the best chances of the first half fell to Fischer who twice found space inside the box but could only fire wide. However, after the break it was Latvia who almost took the lead when Valērijs Šabala’s cross was only centimetres away from being converted by Dāvis Ikaunieks's outstretched leg.

Latvia came close again midway through the second half but Karlis Plendišķis was unable to beat Oliver Korch from close range with the goal at his mercy. Denmark finally broke the deadlock when Holst rose to head Riza Durmisi’s delightful cross past Edgars Potapenko with just four minutes remaining.

"It's an amazing feeling to score at this level and it was a fair result. We are a good side and we can beat Greece on Monday," Holst told UEFA.com. Latvia's Dāvis Ikaunieks was left to rue missed opportunities, saying: "We just didn't take our chances and when that happens, you lose."