U-17 Championships in Serbia and Mexico!

It's been going on for a while now but things are really starting to heat up in the U-17 European Championship as England defeated the hosts Serbia 3-0 today. Bradley Smith scored the first goal, in the 7th minute, before Hallam Hope struck a double between the 9th and 18th minutes to make it 3-0 before the half. The second half brought no more goals as England held on for a good win and a place in the semi-finals. However, the top of Group A is occupied by Denmark who finish the stage undefeated having beaten France 1-0 earlier today. Christian Norgaard was the man who eliminated France with his 65th minute strike and kept the Dane's perfect record in tact. In Group B, the Netherlands sit on top with 2 wins and a draw having drawn 0-0 with the Czech Republic while Germany have managed to occupy second place in the group when it matters, beating Romania 0-1 to just barely make it into the semi-finals. The German's record has been anything less than impressive though, having won once, drawn once, and opening the tournament with a 0-2 loss to the Netherlands. Denmark should have no problem when they face Germany and the Netherlands v.s. England will probably end with Denmark and the Netherlands in the Final. Onwards and upwards and best of luck to all of the teams! In other news, the 2011 U-17 World Cup in Mexico is also set to kick off with the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands all qualifying thanks to their European performances. Other teams competing in Mexico 2011 are: Australia, Japan, Uzbekistan, and North Korea from the AFC; Burkina Faso, Congo, the Ivory Coast, and Rwanda from CAF; the U.S.A., Canada, Jamaica, and Panama represent CONCACAF; New Zealand is the sole representative of the OFC organization; CONMEBOL has Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay; while the hosts Mexico round out the competition. To be sure it should be a great set of games over the summer and I wish the best of luck to all of the teams!