Groub B - Matchday 2
England 2-2 Italy (Gelredome Stadion, Arnhem)Italy came from two goals down to keep alive their hopes of qualification with a 2-2 draw against England in Group B as a Arnhem crowd of 17,000 were treated to a thrilling encounter.
England had looked to be cruising when David Nugent and Leroy Lita scored two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half but the Azzurrini responded perfectly. Ten minutes before the interval Giorgio Chiellini pulled one back and Italy threw caution to the wind as the second period wore on, eventually getting their reward midway through the half when Alberto Aquilani's raking drive crept in.
The Azzurrini must beat Czech Republic on Sunday in Arnhem and hope an already qualified Serbia hold England to at least a draw in Nijmegen to qualify for the semi-finals.
Czech Republic 0-1 Serbia (De Goffert Stadion, Nijmegen)
A last-gasp goal from Bosko Jankovic earned victory against the Czech Republic and sent Serbia into the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship as the winners of Group B.
The sign welcoming visitors to Nijmegen bills it as "City of health", and having beaten Italy here on Monday, Serbia's prospects of reaching the last four of this tournament for the third finals running certainly appeared rosy.
The Czechs shared a goalless draw with England in their opening fixture and looked to have held on for another point here, but three minutes into added time, Antonio Rukavina set Milan Smiljanic free down the right and Jankovic got ahead of Michal Kadlec to head his side through.
The result, coupled with England's 2-2 draw against Italy in tonight's late game, ensures Miroslav Djukic's side will finish first in the section and play the Group A runners-up in Arnhem next Wednesday in the last four.
[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]
1 comment:
Keep up the good work.
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