Under 19 European Championship
Spain
qualified for the semi-finals with a match to spare after winning their first
two games by big margins. Real Madrid's Juanma Mata scored a hat-trick as
Ginés Melendez's side beat Turkey 5-3 in their opening group
game, and a 4-0 win over Scotland a couple of days later, with two
headed goals from Manchester United defender Piqué, ensured them top
spot in the group and a place in next year's youth World Cup. Spain play
Portugal in their last group match on Sunday. (20.07.06)
Spain
will play Austria in the semi-finals next Wednesday after a 1-1 draw with
Portugal confirmed their top spot in group B. With nothing to play for,
Ginés Meléndez gave a run out to his lesser used players, and
they fell behind midway through the first half through a Bruno Gama penalty
after keeper Bernabé fouled Barbosa. César Díaz headed the
equaliser from Toni's cross though just two minutes after the restart, keeping
up Spain's unbeaten record and sending their opponents home. The Czech Republic
will play Scotland in the other semi-final. (23.07.06) |