No room for error as quartet aim for semis

All four UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group A contenders go into this morning's deciding games with their semi-final hopes very much alive.



Switzerland top
Switzerland's win against Italy, the only game not to have been a draw in the section, has left Dany Ryser's side two points clear of France and holders Spain, and a point against the defending champions in Sandersdorf would take them through. Spain, currently behind Les Mini-Bleus on goals scored, would ensure progress with a victory, as would France against Italy, who both need to win and hope Switzerland avoid defeat. Should France and Spain end dead level they would be split on Fair Play ranking.

Spain aim
Spain, aiming for a third straight title, have been held 0-0 by Italy and France despite dominating both games and coach Ginés Meléndez has lost playmaker Iker Muniain to a groin strain, striker Cristian Portugués joining the squad. "It will be difficult because it will be a 'final' and we hope to have the luck we haven't had so far," Meléndez said. Fortune was on Switzerland's side on Saturday as they defeated ten-man Italy 3-1, and a FIFA U-17 World Cup place for a top-three finish is already assured. Ryser said: "We want to put up a good showing against Spain and we are not playing for a draw – we want to win. This team cannot play for a draw."

Salerno keeps faith
Italy, who meet France in Taucha, are the only team in the section who do not have their qualification fate in their own hands but a win would guarantee them at least third spot and a berth at the World Cup. Despite their position at the bottom of Group A, Italy coach Pasquale Salerno does not plan to make any drastic changes. "Of course the match against France is going to be very tough – just like against Switzerland," he said. "But I am still convinced in the ability of my players and I will still believe in my methods." Salerno will have to make one adjustment though since starting goalkeeper Mattia Perin is suspended for the game following his sending off in the match against Switzerland, meaning the man who replaced him after the red card, Francesco Bardi, will keep his place.

Bergeroo wary
France coach Philippe Bergeroo knows his opponents only too well having lost to Italy 2-1 last season in the Val-de-Marne tournament. "We know they are a solid team with remarkable individual talents," Bergeroo said. "They may have been dominated by Spain but we should keep in mind that they had at least four genuine scoring opportunities during the game. Italy are in danger now after the loss against Switzerland meaning they have to attack. Still we also have to get points because anything can happen. We can qualify. We can be eliminated. It is the decisive game."