Iceland top Turkey and Czech Republic

After a tense final day Iceland and Turkey came through from UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round Group 7, with the Czech Republic having to wait to see if they will also reach the elite round.

Hosts Iceland and Turkey were a point adrift of the Czech Republic going into Monday's deciders, with Armenia two further behind. Turkey stormed through with a 6-1 defeat of the Czech Republic but the team that beat them on Matchday 2, Iceland, secured first place by beating Armenia 2-1. The Czech Republic, however, may yet go through as one of the two third-placed finishers with the best record against the leading pair in their pool.

The Czech Republic made an excellent start by beating Iceland 4-2, courtesy of a Lukáš Stratil hat-trick, while Turkey overcame Armenia 3-0. Two days later there was a reversal of fortune, Iceland defeating ten-man Turkey 2-0 and Armenia holding the Czech Republic 1-1

It was on the last day, though, that Turkey really proved they could match their run to last season's semi-finals – with some of that squad still involved – Beykan Şimşek's hat-trick the highlight in the comprehensive defeat of the Czech Republic. Iceland's winner against Armenia, meanwhile, came from a penalty by their inspirational 15-year-old midfielder Oliver Sigurjónsson.

Iceland coach Gunnar Gudmundsson, awaiting the 30 November elite round draw, told UEFA.com: "I am really happy with our overall performance in this group and it's a great achievement to be on top. Especially when you consider how tough this group was. We were competing against three strong teams and we had to show our best. Iceland's strong point has always been hard work and fighting spirit. Add some talent to that and you can get results like this. Our performance raised in each game and I am looking forward to see my team competing in next round."