Kennedy takes Scotland past Slovakia

Scotland set up a decider with the Czech Republic in their final UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 1 match on Monday after a victory that ends Slovakia's hopes of reaching May's finals in Serbia.

Matthew Kennedy was the Scottish hero with two goals in the second half of a one-sided match. However, the Czech Republic are two points ahead of Scotland, meaning Ross Mathie's side must win their last game to qualify.

The impressive Islam Feruz's shot was tipped over by Slovakia goalkeeper Miloslav Bréda in the 19th minute and while his team were level at the break, Slovakia coach Anton Valović responded by making two changes at the break. "I brought on two more attacking players because we wanted to score," he said. "But this left us susceptible at the back and Scotland took advantage. They deserved to win."

Kennedy's two goals earned Scotland all three points to set up the decider in Casarano on Monday. His first came in the 49th minute when he took the ball around Bréda before finishing coolly and the second followed 13 minutes later with a header from close range after Jason Naismith flicked on John Herron's corner.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said Mathie. "We now have a winner-takes-all match. We only get one bite of the cherry to win the game and we will try and take it. If you are going to go through, you have got to win games and we are never a side who goes out to draw anyway. I am sure Italy would have liked to be in our situation."

Slovakia, on the other hand, will contest third place with hosts Italy in Lecce. "It is going to be a difficult game for both sides," said Valović. "Italy will also be disappointed, but I have got to try and motivate my team because we want to get a goal at last and avoid a whitewash."