Goals scarce in the opening round: Netherlands and Serbia both win 1-0

Just two goals in four matches: The 2007 UEFA Under-21 European Junior Championship in the Netherlands started with a scarcity of goals. On the opening day the host team defeated Israel’s selection 1-0 (1-0) at Heerenveen. Defender Hedwiges Maduro scored the winner for the Netherlands from close in, following a free-kick by Royston Drenthe, 10 minutes into the match. At home, the Dutch want to retain the title they won in Portugal last summer. But from last year’s squad that defeated Ukraine in the final, only captain Ron Vlaar and Ismail Aissati remain in the “Jong Oranje” team coached by Foppe de Haan.

Link to a full match report and video: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85173/index.html

The second match in Group A between Portugal and Belgium finished in a goalless draw in Groningen on the first day (Sunday, June 10).

Link to a full match report: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85174/index.html

England also recorded a goalless draw against the Czech Republic in their opening match in Group B in Arnhem on Monday (June 11). Leroy Lita hit wide of the Czech goal with a penalty kick in the 88th minute.

Link to a full match report and video: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85179/index.html

With a brighter start, Serbia achieved an important win over Italy in Nijmegen. The Balkan team won 1-0 (0-0). Dejan Milovanović scored the winner in the 63rd minute with a shot from 25 metres. The five-time title holders from Italy had dominated the first half, but ultimately lost to the Serbs who retain five players from the team that lost the 2004 final to Italy in Bochum, Germany.

Link to a full match report and video: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85180/index.html

The tournament will continue on Wednesday, June 13, when Israel will play Belgium in Heerenveen, and the Dutch meet Portugal in Groningen in Group A. On Thursday, June 14, the Czech Republic juniors will face Serbia in Arnhem in Group B. The match between England, who ousted Germany in the qualifying round of 16, and Italy in Nijmegen will conclude the second round of matches.