Italy and Portugal fill final spots

Italy and Portugal took their places in next month's UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship as elite round Group 3 came to a conclusion.

Going into the final day, hosts Portugal, Italy and the Czech Republic remained in the running to qualify as section winners. It was the Azzurre who held their nerve to finish top, though, Manuela Giugliano and Annamaria Serturini registering either side of Signe Bruun's equaliser to earn a 2-1 victory against Denmark.

Meanwhile, Susana Cova's Portugal side – making their debut at this level – ensured a safe passage to Thursday's draw for the England-based tournament from 26 November to 8 December as the best runners-up. With her team trailing to Antonie Stárová's opener, Inês Silva sealed a decisive point with a stunning free-kick.

Italy had strode to the summit on Tuesday, Giugliano's 62nd-minute goal proving sufficient to see off the Czech Republic, while the game between Denmark and Portugal, who had goalkeeper Catarina Barradas sent off in added time, finished goalless.

However, two days later Italy went down 2-1 to Portugal, Bárbara Azevedo scoring in added time after Giugliano had levelled with six minutes remaining. The Czech Republic ended Denmark's hopes, meanwhile, Karolína Křivská and Eliška Kovaříková on target in a 3-0 triumph.