No surprises in Norway

Austria and mini-tournament hosts Norway both clinched places in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship second qualifying round for the third year running after dominating Group 12.

Opening victories
Hoping to at least match their nation's run to the 2002/03 semi-finals at this age group, Austria began with a solid 2-0 victory against Bulgaria in Sarpsborg. Andreas Dober opened the scoring on 22 minutes, and after Bulgaria's half-time substitute Ivan Ploshtakov was sent off in the 68th minute, Christian Fuchs doubled the lead in the final seconds, both goalscorers among eight survivors from the squad that finished third at the 2002/03 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Norway took until the 53rd minute to break the deadlock against Iceland in Halden, but Alexander Mathisen, Morten Krüger Hæstad and Johan Bjørdal all subsequently struck to secure a 3-0 win.

Austria through
Two days later, Austria and Norway both won again to ensure their progress and end the hopes of Iceland and Bulgaria with a match to spare. Austria fell behind 12 minutes in against Iceland in Halden to a Kjartan Henry Finnbogason goal, but Patrick Mayer levelled just after the half-hour. Christoph Saurer's 52nd-minute goal for Austria was swiftly cancelled out by Ragnar Sigurdsson, only for Mayer to convert a 64th-minute penalty and complete his hat-trick soon after. Saurer made it 5-2 eight minutes from time.

Norway secure
Later, in Frederikstad, Norway defeated Bulgaria 3-1. Arnar Førsund gave the hosts the lead on the half-hour and nine minutes later Alexander Mathisen scored Norway's second. Jesper Aleksander Mathisen increased the advantage five minutes into the second half, meaning Safet Seidhodzha Durmushali's 61st-minute goal was only a consolation, and Bulgaria joined Iceland in knowing that their maximum possible haul of three points would not be enough for them to qualify as the best third-placed team from across the 12 first qualifying round groups.

Iceland consolation
Despite that disappointment, those sides' final-day meeting proved exciting as Iceland came from behind to win 3-2 in Frederikstad. Lubomir Bozhinov scored for Bulgaria on 19 minutes, but in a five-minute spell around the half-hour mark Hjalmar Thorarinsson, Sigurdsson and Finnbogason all found the target to turn the game in Iceland's favour. Durmushali pulled one back five minutes after the interval, but Iceland held on to secure third place.

Goalless conclusion
Meanwhile in Sarpsborg, the top two played out a 0-0 draw, leaving Austria as group winners on goals scored. In the Elite round they enter Group 5, while Norway are in Group 6, with Ukraine forming one of their three opponents.