Elite round - 24 March 2007 15:00 (local time) - G. D. Peniche -
	Northern Ireland	1 - 2	Portugal

Match report

Diogo Amado's winner was in vain for Portugal (©Getty Images)

Portugal victory in vain

Saturday, 24 March 2007

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Portugal missed out on the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals on goal scored despite ending Elite round Group 6 unbeaten with a defeat of Northern Ireland.

Iceland qualify
The mini-tournament hosts had drawn 0-0 with both holders Russia and Iceland in their opening games, and as the defending champions had beaten Northern Ireland 3-1 on Matchday 2 to end their hopes, the Portuguese held a two-point advantage at kick-off today. But it was Iceland who qualified as they defeated Russia 6-5 in a game they led by six at one stage, to pip Portugal on goals scored.

Win not enough
Aiming for a first U17 qualification in three years, the 2002/03 champions took the lead on 21 minutes through a Diogo Rosado penalty. James McLaughlin equalised after the break, but although Portugal captain Diogo Amado made it 2-1 in the 65th minute, and despite Russia's comeback, the home side ended agonisingly short of a place in final tournament in Belgium in May.