Portugal, Sweden into U21 Euro semis, England out
OLOMOUC (Czech Republic): Portugal and Sweden made it to the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship in the Czech Republic on Wednesday after taking the top two spots in Group B while England bowed out.
A 1-1 draw was all that Portugal and Sweden needed to reach the semi-finals while Italy were left empty-handed despite an impressive 3-1 win over bottomplaced England.
Portugal won the group with five points from three games while Sweden and Italy both had four points with Sweden making it to the next stage owing to a 2-1 win over Italy in the group’s opener.
Portugal will take on Germany while Sweden face Denmark in the June 27 semi-finals.
In Wednesday’s game, Portugal and Sweden took their time to score knowing early on that a draw would send them both to the semi-finals. FC Porto striker Goncalo Paciencia put Portugal ahead eight minutes from time, but Groningen midfielder Simon Tibbling equalised a minute from the end.
In the group’s other game, FC Turin midfielder Marco Benassi scored twice and Palermo striker Andrea Belotti added another to hand Italy a 3-1 win over England who only managed a late consolation goal courtesy of Norwich midfielder Nathan Redmond.
Italy took a 2-0 lead with backto-back goals between the 25th and 27th minutes.
England only scored twice in the tournament with star Tottenham striker Harry Kane failing to find the target in three games, despite creating many scoring chances.
Denmark won Group A with six points from three games, ahead of Germany with five points.
The final is scheduled for June 30.