Teens in with the Elite despite Czech defeat
SCOTLAND last night limped through to the Elite Round of the European Under-19s Championships for the sixth year in a row.
Although Donald Park’s side conceded a late goal to their Czech rivals in Esch-sur-Alzette, they finished second in the group.
Other results in the qualifying group meant they were certain to qualify for the next stage in March unless they were thrashed and Armenia beat Luxembourg heavily in the other game.
The young Scots had earlier come from behind to beat hosts Luxembourg 3-1 in their opener and drew 3-3 with Armenia on Saturday.
In this match of few chances, Celtic defender Stephen Welsh forced a save from Czech keeper Hugo Backovsky in the second half. But Ladislav Krejci netted the winner with three minutes to go to sicken the Scots.
Scotland will now await the draw for the Elite Round next month, with the games in seven groups being played in March next year. The seven group winners will join hosts Finland for the Finals in July.