Groub B - Matchday 3
Italy 3-1 Czech Republic (Gelredome Stadion, Arnhem)Italy failed to progress beyond the European Under-21 Championship group stage for the second season in succession despite ending Group B with a solid win against the Czech Republic in Arnhem.
The Azurrini had won five of the last eight competitions but paid the price for taking just one point from their first two matches. That left Pierluigi Casiraghi's side relying on England failing to beat Serbia and, although Alberto Aquilani's fine fourth-minute free-kick met with wild celebrations, the mood had become more muted by the time Giorgio Chiellini restored Italy's lead after Michal Papadopulos had levelled in the 14th minute as news filtered through that England were winning.
Giuseppe Rossi added a third in first-half added time but England's 2-0 victory in Nijmegen ensured Italy would finish in third place, although they do have the consolation of a play-off against Portugal on Thursday with the winner qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games.
England 2-0 Serbia (De Goffert Stadion, Nijmegen)
Leroy Lita and Matt Derbyshire were on target in each half as England beat Serbia 2-0 to secure a place in the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals.
Their progress as Group B winners already confirmed, Serbia made nine changes to the side that started Wednesday's 1-0 victory against the Czech Republic, and England quickly capitalised on their lack of understanding in Nijmegen. Lita broke the deadlock inside six minutes from close range and after sustaining some second-half pressure, substitute Derbyshire sealed victory with a crisp 77th-minute strike though some of the gloss was taken off by a late Tom Huddlestone dismissal.
The Tottenham midfielder will now miss the semi-final with the Netherlands in Heerenveen on Wednesday, while Serbia face Belgium in Arnhem in the other semi.
[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]
No comments:
Post a Comment