Under 17 European Championship

Spain ensured themselves a place in the semi-finals of this European youth tournament with two convincing victories in their opening games. Juan Santiesteban's side got off to the best possible start with a record 1-7 win over hosts Luxembourg, Valencia's Aarón Ñiguez scoring twice before the break and Barcelona's 15 year old striker Bojan Krkic coming on at half time to help himself to a hat-trick. And the youngsters went on to beat Russia 3-0 in their second match, Bojan once again coming on at the interval and having a hand in all three goals, which were scored by Aarón, Vergara and Gullón. Spain's last group game is against Hungary on Monday. (05.05.06)