Netherlands and Serbia reach the semi-finals

The Netherlands and Serbia have reached the semi-finals of the UEFA U21 European Junior Championship after the second round of group matches. The hosting Netherlands succeeded with a 2-1 (1-0) win over Portugal in Groningen, although they still have to play their neighbours Belgium in Group A. The Serbs also qualified prematurely with their second victory in Group B. The juniors from the Balkans defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 (0-0) with a late injury time goal in Nijmegen. As a result title holders Netherlands and Serbia have also ensured their passage to the 2008 Olympic football tournament in China.

Israel’s juniors have no chance now of qualifying for the semi-finals, to be played on Wednesday, June 20. They lost 1-0 (0-0) to Belgium in Heerenveen, following a 1-0 defeat by the Dutch in their opening match in Group A. The match boasting most goals so far saw a 2-2 (2-1) draw between England and Italy in Arnhem. Both teams, along with the Czech Republic, still retain hopes of making the semi-finals in Group B.

Ryan Babel with a penalty (33rd) and Maceo Rigters (75th) ensured three points for the Netherlands, but after Miguel Veloso (77th) scored for Portugal the fans at Euroborg Stadium, among them Dutch national coach Marco van Basten, endured several anxious minutes. While the Dutch have succeeded in progressing further, the Portuguese must beat Israel in their last group match in Heerenveen on Saturday, June 16, to avoid elimination prematurely for the second successive time. However, even a victory could prove abortive should Belgium beat the Netherlands.

Ten Belgian players achieved three points against Israel with an 82nd minute decisive goal from Kevin Mirallas, who plays with French first division club OSC Lille. The "Red Devils" were one man down for 72 minutes after Marouane Fellaini was sent off in the 18th minute for a second yellow card. Belgium presently hold second position with four points, followed by Portugal (1 point) and Israel (0).

Bosko Jankovic was the hero for the Serbian juniors when he scored for the 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic -- just 20 seconds before the final whistle. With a header from a cross by Milan Smiljanic, Jankovic ensured his team a second 1-0 victory after the same result against Italy three days previously. Jankovic, who plays with RCD Majorca in Spain, recently scored for the Serbian national A team – during the 2-0 victory in Finland on June 2, and the 1-1 draw against Portugal in Belgrade on March 28.

By equalizing after being 2-0 down, five-time title holders Italy kept their chances of making the semi-finals alive. England were leading 2-0 by goals from David Nugent (24th) and Leroy Lita (26th). Shortly before halftime, Giorgio Chiellini (35th) netted for Italy, while Alberto Aquilani shot the equaliser in the 69th minute. However, this result, coupled with Serbia’s win, makes it certain that one of these two teams will not make the semi-finals from the last matches of Group B on Sunday, June 17. In a repetition of the 2004 final, Italy will meet the Czech Republic in Arnhem, while England will challenge group leaders Serbia on Nijmegen. The English have two points after their 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic in their first match. Italy and the Czech Republic have both collected one point. The battle to win second position and the semi final remains wide open.

Links to the second round matches of the groups:

Netherlands vs Portugal

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85175/index.html

Israel vs Belgium

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85176/index.html

Czech Republic vs Serbia

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85181/index.html

England vs Italy

http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=2240/match=85182/index.html