England complete hat-trick over Sweden

Holders England may have safely earned their passage after once again getting the better of Sweden, but the race for the six remaining UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship places will go to the wire. Thursday will see three showdowns between joint group leaders, including an intriguing meeting between free-scoring pair, Germany and Norway.

Group 1 
Toni Duggan was again the scourge of Sweden in a 3-2 victory for England. The Everton striker struck when Mo Marley's holders beat Sweden in both the group stage (3-0) and final (2-0) last July, and after Amanda Wegerman had given the mini-tournament hosts a dream start she hit two more tonight. Elisabeth Lisa Klinga equalised, but Demi Stokes's 82nd-minute strike proved decisive. The victory ensures England's qualification while Sweden face the Republic of Ireland with the goal of gaining a good enough result to secure the best runners-up berth.

Group 2
It is wide open in Group 2, with France, Switzerland and surprise packages Austria all carrying realistic hopes going into the final games. France and Austria lead the way on four points after a 0-0 draw in Telki, with Switzerland a point behind after five different scorers helped them to a 5-1 win against Hungary. Hosts Hungary face favourites France on Thursday, with Austria's hopes of a maiden finals appearance resting on their match against neighbours Switzerland.

Group 3
Maren Meinert made six changes to the Germany side that beat Poland 7-0 on Saturday and it was more of the same against Serbia. Three goals from Annika Doppler helped the five-time champions to an 8-0 win, but things are unlikely to be so one-sided when they meet Norway. Melissa Bjanesoy hit a hat-trick of her own as Norway beat Poland 6-1, keeping Jarl Torske's side level with Germany ahead of Thursday's showdown.

Group 4
Russia are poised for a first finals appearance since 2006 after the prolific Anna Cholovyaga took her tally to five in three days with the only goal against Iceland in Sochi. It means a point when they play Spain on Thursday will be enough to secure top spot. Spain will have something to say about that, however, having kept their hopes alive with a 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

Group 5
It could go down to goal difference in Group 5 after section leaders Scotland and the Netherlands drew 0-0. On Thursday the Oranje meet a Denmark team fresh from a 2-1 victory over Finland and Scotland, who will need at least a four-goal swing should their rivals triumph, face a Finland side now destined to finish last.

Group 6
Italy and Belgium will play off for top spot after collecting second wins on Monday. Tatiana Bonetti was again on target as the Azzurrine scored three first-half goals against a Bosnia-Herzegovina side reduced to ten players on 25 minutes. First qualifying round top scorer Lidija Kuliš brought some consolation with a late goal but Italy's goal difference means they will be in the box seat on Thursday. Belgium were forced to come from behind against Ukraine, Justine Van Haevermaet scoring the winner six minutes from time.

Click on the following links for table and results and fixtures.

The six section winners and the runners-up with the best record against the sides first and third in their pool will join hosts FYR Macedonia in the finals from 24 May to 5 June 2010.