Austria join Switzerland in elite round

Switzerland topped UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round Group 12 and were followed into the elite round by Austria despite their opening 4-0 loss to their Swiss neighbours.

Going into the final day Switzerland needed just a point against hosts Denmark, who themselves knew they required a victory to advance if Austria overcame Kazakhstan. In the event Switzerland and Denmark drew 0-0, allowing Austria to overtake the home side with a 2-0 win.

Denmark had edged an opening 1-0 success against Kazakhstan through impressive winger Kasper Dolberg's 35th-minute penalty, team-mate Rezan Corlu having missed an earlier spot kick. Switzerland cruised to a 4-0 triumph against Austria, two goals from Albian Ajeti, fresh from playing in the UEFA Youth League for FC Basel 1893 at Chelsea FC, sealing it for Yves Débonnaire's side.

Switzerland did not let up against Kazakhstan, securing a 3-0 victory with Ajeti again the focal point in attack and scoring twice, one a penalty against a team who had substitute Timur Baltabayev, captain Maksim Gladchenko and Vladislav Vassiljev all sent off in the second half. Meanwhile, Austria got off the mark, 2-0 against Denmark, thanks to Fabian Gmeiner and Sinan Yılmaz.

Austria now had an opportunity and Sinan Yılmaz was again on the scoresheet as two first-half goals defeated Kazakhstan 2-0. And that was enough for second place as Switzerland drew 0-0 with Denmark, who despite throwing everything at the opposition in the closing stages must now hope to progress as the third-placed side with the best record against the leading pair in their group.