UEFA U-21 Trophy: Round Two Review
The Netherlands and Serbia seal semi-final places
The second group games of the UEFA Under 21 Championships were completed this week, with the Netherlands and Serbia being the first teams to secure semi-final places.
Group A
Hosts and current holders the Netherlands became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament, as the second round of group games were completed. The Dutch went top of Group A after defeating Portugal 2-1 in the Euroborg Stadium, Groningen. The Netherlands took control of the game when Ajax star, Ryan Babel, converted a first half penalty. A close range strike, from Maceo Rigters, increased the Netherlands lead in the second half, before a late goal from Portuguese midfielder, Miguel Veloso ensured a nervy finish for the near capacity crowd.
In the other Group A game, Belgium took a major step towards the semi-finals when an 82nd minute goal, from Kevin Mirallas, clinched victory against Israel. Belgium had played most of the game with ten men, following Marouane Fellaini’s early sending off. Belgium now need only a point from their final group game, against close rivals the Netherlands, to reach the last four. Portugal must beat Israel, in their final Group game, and hope that the Netherlands defeat Belgium, to stand any chance of progress.
Group B
Meanwhile, in Group B, Serbia joined the Dutch, in the semi-finals, after a dramatic victory against the Czech Republic, at the De Goffert Stadium, Nijmegen. The game was heading for a goalless draw until, the 93rd minute, when Bosko Jankavic headed in the Serbian winner.
The other game in the group, at the Gelredome, Arnhem, saw England and Italy battle out a 2-2 draw. Goals from David Nugent and Leroy Lita, in the first 26 minutes, had put England firmly in control of the game. But goals, either side of half time, from Giorgio Chiellini and Alberto Aquilani, gave the Italians a share of the spoils. England can claim one of the two remaining semi-final places if they defeat leaders Serbia in their final group game. In the other final Group B game, Italy take on the Czech Republic. Should England lose their final game, a win for either Italy or the Czech Republic could ensure progress to the next round.
Qualification for Beijing 2008
As the weekends final group games approach, all the sides involved in the tournament still have something to play for. The four semi-finalists automatically qualify for the 2008 Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing; that is unless England reach the last four, in which case the teams finishing third in their respective groups will play off for Europe’s fourth Olympic place. This is due to the fact that England do not compete as a single nation within the Olympic structure.
