Arsenal youth players Chido Martin Obi and Brayden Clarke had to face off against each other in their opening game of the u17 Euros earlier this week, with Martin Obi’s Denmark facing Clarke’s Wales.
Martin Obi came out on top on that occasion, scoring in a 2-0 win for his side, but the pair were quickly in action again for their second group games on Thursday.
Once again, both were starters, and they each had different objectives for the day.
For Martin Obi and Denmark, a win over Croatia would have ensured qualification to the knockout stages.
Denmark did take the lead in the first half, but they fell 2-1 down by the 47th minute, and they’ll ultimately be pleased that they rallied to equalise and finish the match at 2-2.
Even so, there was no goal for Martin Obi, and the two dropped points mean Denmark will need a draw in their final game against Austria to guarantee progression. They could still qualify in defeat if Croatia don’t win.
Arsenal’s Martin Obi and Denmark only need a draw in their last u17 Euros group game to progress. Here’s why.
If Denmark draw with Austria and Croatia don’t win, Denmark will finish 2nd. But if Croatia do win, all three teams would be on 5 points, sending it to head-to-head.… pic.twitter.com/ZhdvABT6EA
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) May 24, 2024
As for Clarke and Wales, having already lost to Denmark in the opening game, they needed to avoid a second defeat to remain in the competition.
Unfortunately, Austria ran out 3-0 winners, eliminating Wales ahead of their final group game against Croatia.
UEFA u17 European Championship groups
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
England and Ethan Nwaneri face Portugal on Friday, May 24th, and Spain on Monday, May 27th, with both games taking place at 18:30 BST.
Denmark and Chido Martin Obi’s remaining game is against Austria on Sunday, May 26th at 16:00 BST.
Wales and Brayden Clarke face Croatia on Sunday, May 26th, also at 16:00 BST.