Read on for the latest updates from the Elite Qualifying round of the UEFA u-19 Championships
Nacer Barazite- Moldova 0 Netherlands 0
After a 2-2 draw against Russia in their first game and a 2-1 defeat to Greece in their second, the Netherlands knew their hopes of qualifying for the final tournament were pretty much dead in the water before they took on Moldova yesterday. Nonetheless, Nacer Barazite kept his place in the starting line-up as a right-winger. It was a physical opening half and Georginio Wijnaldum was booked after 15 minutes for a strong challenge. There were few opportunities for either side in the first-half and Barazite was replaced at the break by Jules Reinenink. The Netherlands came close a couple of times in the second period but again the performance was marred by several yellow cards. In the last ten minutes, the Dutch had four players booked and Moldova had one. It was a disappointing end to a disappointing qualification campaign for the Netherlands. They finish bottom of Group 5 with just two points from three games.
Tomorrow, Kieran Gibbs’ England side take on Belarus in Group 1 needing just a point to qualify for the final tournament. After victories over Poland and Serbia, they currently top the group by three points.
Also tomorrow, Armand Traore’s France side take on Italy in a winner-takes-all clash in Group 6. Both sides are currently tied on six points at the top of the Group, but Italy currently lead the way on goal difference.
Havard Nordtveit’s Norway won’t be at the final tournament after finishing bottom of Group 3, but Fran Merida’s Spain have already qualified having topped Group 7.
The final tournament will take place in the Czech Republic from July 14-26. Below are a list of the countries who have already qualified.
Hungary
Bulgaria
Germany
Greece
Spain
