The prerequisites for the match were that Sweden was clear as group winners, while Romania had a small chance of second place and advancement – if a possible Bulgarian victory against Wales could be improved.
The first half was played at a controlled pace and was relatively poor in scoring chances. Romania scraped together five corners while Sweden had the best opportunity of the half – a resounding shot into the crossbar by Linus Järeteg.
The second half was even. Romania had a good period where Sweden’s goalkeeper Nils Ramming had to make a couple of qualified interventions. But Sweden took back the baton and worked ever closer to a lead goal. After another crossbar shot, the goal finally arrived, when Jonah Kusi-Asare worked the ball through to Fred Bozicevic in the 85th minute.
Sweden looked to be able to hold off, but at the beginning of extra time, Robert Petulescu hit a cross in the Swedish penalty area and scored 1-1 via the post. Sweden continued to go for victory and called for a penalty when Jonah Kusi-Asare was pushed over in front of goal, but the match ended in a draw.
In the second match of the group, Wales beat Bulgaria 2-1 and thus took second place in the group. The Elite Round will be played on Tuesday and the finals will be drawn on April 3 in Ayia Napa.
Sweden has now qualified for five of the last seven European U17 finals, and for Roger Franzén, this is the third successful qualification in three attempts as the national team captain.
Sweden’s starting eleven: 12 Nils Ramming – 13 Elis Barlind, 3 Harry Hilvenius, 14 Bleon Kurtulus, 5 Genesis Antwi – 16 Kenan Busuladzic, 6 Ossian Nordvall – 7 Neo Jönsson, 20 Åke Andersson, 17 Linus Järeteg – 19 Nikolaj Staykov.
Substitute: 1 Elton Fischerström Opancar – 2 Rasmus Nåfors Dahlin, 8 Gjan Ajdin, 9 Jonah Kusi-Asare, 10 Måns Isaksson, 11 Fred Bozicevic, 15 Melvin Vucenovic Persson, 18 Adrian Lahdo.
Not playing: 4 Ben Magnusson.