As expected, Spain finished as one of the four best placed runners-up after Tuesday’s ties, and they will go in to Friday’s draw together with Serbia, Austria and Norway. Celadés’ side will be looking to avoid Serbia, who knocked them out at this stage of the competition two years ago. (11.10.16)
Spain’s under 21 side completed the formalities with a 5-0 victory over Estonia in their last group game, although Sweden’s win against Croatia meant that Albert Celades’ team had to settle for second spot and a probable place in the play-offs. Visiting keeper Igonen had to make a string of good saves in the opening minutes, in particular from Marco Asensio, Bellerín and Deulofeu, and Williams turned a shot against the crossbar. However with ten minutes to go to the break he was finally beaten when Denis Suárez drilled a shot past him after Deulofeu’s corner was headed clear, and just a minute later Asensio made it two with a low shot from the edge of the area. Miller hit the post in a rare attack by the visitors, but Igonen had to save again from Oliver Torres, Asensio, Gayá and Deulofeu either side of half time, and then again from Asensio, Suárez, Bellerín and substitute Munir later on in the second half. With five minutes to go though Munie made it three, and Asensio and Munir added two more after that for waht was a flattering result. Spain now have to wait until tomorrow night’s fixtures are completed to confirm that they have finished amongst the four best runners-up, although with 23 points they are looking fairly safe. (10.10.16)