Host nation Belarus were hit for five on the opening day of the UEFA Women's under-17 Championship, while there was also a defeat for Norway after great persistence from England in a 3-2 win.

Serbia were those on hand to crushing the home side in the capital in a more than impressive performance than saw them run out 5-1 victors. 

Elsewhere, Spain and Germany played out an entertaining 2-2 draw whilst Italy and the Czech Republic, in contrast, mustered up a lacklustre and goalless affair.

Serbia soar to the summit of Group A

At the end of the day's play, it's Serbia who top Group A then after a brilliant win. They hammered Belarus in a commanding performance that will give them good confidence heading into their next fixture with Norway, who promise to provide a much tougher test.

It took the victors just seven minutes to get off the mark too, with captain Allegra Poljak leading the way as she broke the deadlock. Jovana Agbaba then added a second on the half hour mark, giving Serbia a comfortable half time lead.

After the break, Miljana Ivanović added a third, while Tijana Filipović also got in on the act. Karolina Zhitko gave the home nation something to cheer about when she pulled one back with 12 minutes remaining, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Teodora Burkert rounded things off in the final moments to reestablish Serbia's four goal cushion.

The goal fest separates them from England then, who are level at the top on points after their win over Norway but behind on goal difference.

The Lionesses had established a 2-0 lead after just 36 minutes, with Niamh Charles and Alessia Russo on the scoresheet in a fantastic first half performance.

However, a superb quick-fire brace from Sophie Haug put the Norwegians back on level terms, with the youngster scoring her two goals in just three minutes to shake England up in the second half. However, they recovered, with Anna Filbey putting them back into the lead - just seven minutes after losing it - and ultimately giving John Griffiths' side the three points.

Belarus find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after matchday one. (Photo: UEFA)
Belarus find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after matchday one. (Photo: UEFA)

Nothing to separate those in Group B

After day one in Group B, on the other hand, all four teams are tied with one point apiece after the opening two games both produced draws.

Germany's affair with Spain was the more exciting of the two by some way, with three goals in just three second half minutes bringing the match to life after a rather dull opening 40 minutes.

Silvia Rubio gave Spain the lead shortly after the interval and, while it took Klara Bühl just 60 seconds to equalise, Rubio was on hand to re-establish her side's lead just as quickly as they had lost it, with the score reading 2-1 all of a sudden.

The Spaniards looked like they'd be able to hang on against one of the favourites for the tournament, but Bühl denied them all three points when she levelled things up again late on; the final score reading 2-2.

The day's other fixture saw Italy held to a frustrating goalless draw with the Czechs. The former had 15 shots on goal in the game, and even hit the woodwork, but could not find a way through a stern opposing back line, who earned a priceless clean sheet and a priceless point in the process.

Germany only top the table alphabetically after the opening fixtures. (Photo: UEFA)
Germany only top the table alphabetically after the opening fixtures. (Photo: UEFA)
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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]