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Richard Buxton·1 July 2023
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Richard Buxton·1 July 2023
Two countries booked their place in the Euro U21 semi-finals on Saturday.
Hereâs what went down.
Scorers: GĂłmez 68âČ, Miranda 103âČ; Amdouni 90+1âČ
Spain had to wait to reach their fourth Euro U21s semi-final in a row by seeing off Switzerland after extra time.
Arnau Tenas proved the busier of the two goalkeepers early in the first half as he kept out efforts from Zeki Amdouni and Kastriot Imeri.
La Rojita grew into the game as Sergio GĂłmez picked out Ălex Baena for a shot from just outside the box but failed to test Amir Saipi with a low drive.
Their best chance fell to Sergio GĂłmez, who rounded Saipi after racing clear but saw Nicolas Vouilloz clear his effort off the line.
GĂłmez later put his country on the cusp of another last-four date midway through the second half by rolling Abel Ruizâs tee-up to wrongfoot Saipi.
But Switzerland levelled in the first of four minutesâ added time as Amdouni latched onto Julian von Moosâ through ball to fire beyond Tenas.
In extra time, Juan Miranda put Santi Deniaâs side back ahead with a sweeping first-time finish from Aimar Orozâs cutback to the edge of the area.
Spain have now reached a record 11th Euro u21s semi-final in their history and will face either France or Ukraine back in Bucharest on Wednesday.
Georgiaâs Euro U21s adventure ended in a heart-breaking penalty shootout exit to Israel.
Israel enjoyed the better first-half openings with Dor Turgeman firing wide in a one-on-one with Giorgi Marmadashvili while Oscar Gloukh also sent his effort off-target.
The tournament hosts were forced to reshuffle their pack at the interval as defender Iva Gelashvili made way for Saba Khvadagiani after suffering an injury.
Ramaz Svanadzeâs side began the second 45 minutes under siege again as they saw Omri Gandelman hit the post within minutes of the restart.
They also had Marmadashvili to thank for ensuring they remained in the tie until extra-time with an impressive hat-trick of saves during the closing stages.
By the end of the additional 30 minutes, both teams remained evenly matched with only a handful of chances apiece to send them into the shootout.
But Giorgi Gagua saw his effort saved by Daniel Peretz before Saba Khvadagiani hit the woodwork to give the visitors a 4-3 victory.
Israel will take on either England or Portugal in Wednesdayâs other last-four showdown at the Batumi Stadium.