Germany, England qualify for U-17 World Cup

England and Germany booked their places at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup after progressing to the semi-finals of the UEFA U-17 European Championship football tournament.

In the first of Saturday's two quarter-finals, England defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 at the SRC Velika Gorika Stadium here.

Saturday's other quarter-final saw Germany come from behind to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 in Zapresic.

England and Germany join Spain and Turkey in qualifying for October's U-17 World Cup.

In Tuesday's semi-finals, Spain will face Germany in Varazdin, while Turkey will take on England in Zapresic.

Welcoming the four teams, Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 Javier Ceppi said, "It is very exciting to have four teams qualified from Europe so far, and we are waiting for the last one on the 16th. This brings the confirmed teams to 19, and the quality of all the teams so far promises an unforgettable World Cup."

"Turkey, Spain, England and Germany will be strong contenders for the title and Indian fans will be delighted to watch them live," he added.

The fifth and final European spot for the U-17 World Cup will be determined via a play-off between the two best-ranked losing quarter-finalists on Tuesday.

--IANS

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