International Matches - Under 21

Switzerland 2 - Spain 1

Switzerland: Sommer; Thiesson, Ziegler, Barmettler, Ferati; Schwegler, Lustenberger (Stocker 63'); Crettenand, Zambrella, Nikci (Feltscher 91'); Vonlanthen (Ural 89'). 4-2-3-1.
Spain: Sergio Asenjo; Miguel Torres, Piqué, Javi García, Canella; Sergio Busquets (Mario Suárez 67'), Raúl García; Sisi, Jurado (Xisco 72'), Mata; Bojan. 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 18. Busquets. Got above defence to head Mata corner in on near post.
1-1. 27. Vonlanthen. Controlled long ball out of midfield and ran on to beat Asenjo.
2-1. 51. Nikci. Got ahead of defence to head Crettenand free kick wide of keeper.

Spain lost the first leg of their European Championship play-off against Switzerland, and they now have to win next Tuesday in Lorca to reach next summer's finals.

Bojan and Mata both went close before debutant Sergio Busquets headed López Caro's side in to the lead from Mata's corner early on. But an at times over-physical Swiss side came back to equalise through Vonlanthen later in the first half, the striker picking up a long ball from Zambrella to score. And although Mata put Sommer to the test soon afterwards, Sergio Asenjo had to be at his best to keep out a dangerous header from Schwegler before the interval.

Just six minutes after the restart Nikci headed a Crettenand free kick past Asenjo to give the home side the lead. Bojan and Mata both had chances to level the scores after that, but Sommer and his defence held on for the victory. It was a shock for the youngsters, who won all eight of their group qualifying games, but they have to rally round next Tuesday if they want to reach the final stage at this level for the first time since 2000.