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 bottom-placed 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 back-to-back goals between the 25th and 27th minutes.
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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.
By AFP
