The final group games in the UEFA Under 21 Championships were completed this weekend with England and Belgium clinching the remaining semi-final places.
Group A
In Saturday’s Group A games, the Netherlands sealed top spot in the group with a 2-2 draw against near rivals Belgium, at the Abe Lenstra Stadium, Heerenveen. Kevin Mirallas gave Belgium an early lead, before goals from Maceo Rigters and Feyenoord’s Royston Drenthe, turned the game into the Netherlands favour. A 70th minute strike from Belgium’s Sebastien Pocognoli secured a point for the Belgians, and took them into second place in the group, and the competitions semi-finals.
In the other Group A game, Portugal’s 4-0 victory against Israel, in Groningen, was in vain. Despite goals from Manuel Fernandes,Bolton Wanderers’ Ricardo Vaz Te, Miguel Velosa and Manchester United bound Nani, the win placed Portugal in third place in the group and they were eliminated from the competition. Israel finished bottom of the group having lost all three games.
Group B
Sunday's Group B games saw Stuart Pearce’s England clinch second place in the group, and the remaining semi-final berth, with a 2-0 victory over group winners Serbia. The game was wrapped in controversy with allegations of racial abuse against players from the England team. England took the lead in the fifth minute when Reading’s Leroy Lita scored from close range. Blackburn Rovers’ striker, Matt Derbyshire, sealed victory with a goal thirteen minutes from time. England were reduced to ten men, in the final stages, when Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Tom Huddlestone, was sent off for dissent.
The remaining game in the group saw Italy defeat the Czech Republic 3-1, but England’s victory meant the contest was a battle for third place. AS Roma midfielder, Alberto Aquilani, opened the scoring for the Italians before Michal Papadopulos equalised for the Czechs. Two goals before half-time, from Juventus defender, Giorgio Chiellini, and Manchester United’s Giuseppe Rossi secured third place in the group for the Italians.
Semi-Final stages
The competition now progresses to the semi-final stage. Wednesday’s games see hosts and favourites, the Netherlands, take on England, in the Abe Lenstra Stadium, Heerenveen. In the other semi-final tie, at the Gelredome, Arnhem, Belgium take on Serbia for a place in Saturday's final.
Olympic place up for grabs
Despite being eliminated from the competition Italy and Portugal still have something to play for. The third place group finishers will now face each other, on the 21st of June, in a play-off game to decide Europe’s fourth entrant in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Football Tournament.
Dave Doran - Is there anything on this earth that provides more highs and lows than that of sport. Over the past thirty years as competitor, coach and ...
