Poland: Gilwa; Socha, Plotka, Siebert,
Marciniak; Pietrowski, Borysiuk; Makuszewski (Wodecki 83'), Pozniak (Wilczek
57'), Kupisz; Sobiech (Chalas 78'). 4-2-3-1.
Spain: De
Gea; Azpilicueta, Botía, Víctor Ruiz, Canella (Ander Herrera
83'); Javi Martínez, Thiago; Diego Capel (Adrián 60'), Dani
Parejo (Canales 46'), Mata; Bojan. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 85. Canales. Controlled Thiago's chipped free
kick and forced shot past Gilwa.
Spain's under 21 side will be in Friday's play-off draw after finishing as one of the four best placed group runners-up. Luis Milla's side knew that they could catch group leaders Holland, but needed a win to be sure of qualifying. The Polish defence didn't allow many opportunities though, and apart from a couple of efforts from Bojan, keeper Gilwa was hardly troubled. As full time approached Spain were in a qualifying position despite the draw, but a goal by Poland or a change of results elsewhere would have left them out. However with five minutes to go Thiago lifted a free kick over the defensive wall, and Canales got behind the defence to score. It was a carbon copy of the goal the two of them carved out in the under 19 championship a few weeks ago, and it was enough to keep their European and Olympic hopes alive.