And Who Qualifies for Estonia Finals?

England U19 v Switzerland U19

(Interesting fact is that Switzerland used to play the same tune as England for sporting events. Although of course had different lyrics instead of God Save the Queen. They changed in the 1980s so no confusion tonight).


This was always going to be an interesting match. If England won then Montenegro would have to be Slovenia by at least 2 more than England beat Switzerland. If Switzerland won then they would hope Slovenia would stop Montenegro winning.

A warm day turned to heavy rain showers, but people still queued up at the ticket office to get in. The match was even delayed 15 mins to let people in.

The match started off with England a little bit stronger , physically and possibly mentally than Switzerland. However after the first 10/15 mins the Swiss gradually came back into the game using their skillful wingers.
They had quite a few chances some missing the target and the others being saved by the local lad Sam Johnstone. One being a run down the wing by the Swiss number 7 (Khelifi I think) who took on the defence and managed to get passed most of them but luckily (for the English) didn't produce a goal.  England had a few chances but they were mainly charged down by the Swiss.

In the second half the Swiss seemed to still be on top, however England had a few shots that were spilt by the Swiss keeper (Brecher). England had a chance with a cross over but Kane couldn't quite get to the ball. 

Switzerland kept on going for the goal and there were a few volleys and chances that still went begging or blocked or saved. Unfortunately for England Will Keane twisted his knee chasing a ball into the box. This brought Beranhino on. Another incident where a Swiss player got accidentally punched by the England goalie... whilst he was clearing the ball, and a few minutes later an England player was down in the centre circle. This called for even more stoppage time.

Meanwhile I checked the score in the other game... 0v0 still.

As time drew on Swiss tried to push harder for a goal, as it looked like the other game had finished at 0v0...
but no wait
The internet is not always right and the final score finally came through showing that Slovenia had actually scored and won 1v0. This was game on now for the Swiss.

They had a few minutes left and pushed but this left gaps at the back for the English, who either didn't know of the other score or decided that the best defence is to attack. The fatal blow coming in the 94th minute with the sub Berahino scored at the near post. Two Swiss players fell to the floor as they knew it was all over, even if they did try for the last minute or so.

The Swiss were unfortunate, and probably did not deserve to lose the game but left the space at the back to try and get that winning goal.
Attendance: 3266

Local paper review is here including a picture of the goalscorer and also the player with the best haircut: Swiss No. 13 Martin Angha. Angha was one of the cool calmed defenders who wouldn't always just hoof the ball out but played their way out of trouble.


This meant the table finished:
England 7pts
Montenegro 4pts
Switzerland 3pts
Slovenia 3pts

Only the top team qualifies for the Estonian finals so only England went through. They were joined by France  (who had Netherlands in their group) , Serbia (who sneaked past Germany),  Greece, Croatia, Spain (who were ahead of Italy).
There is one last game to go: Portugal v Ukraine, both on even pts.The winner qualifies (or a draw for Portugal).

No Finland so no clashes of Anthems there!

Next stop July
Next stop  Eesti - Estonia - Estland..



*** Update *** - Portugal comfortably beat Ukraine 3v0 (1v0 half time) to be the last country to qualify.

Photos by Ian , Videos from Youtube


.