Spain Topple Portugal, Earn Semi-Final Spot at 2017 European U21 Championship

Spain secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2017 UEFA European U21 Championship as they beat Portugal 3-1 in Group B at the Gdynia Stadium in Poland on Tuesday.      

Goals in each half from Saul Niguez and Sandro saw La Rojita earn a comfortable lead soon after the hour mark against their Iberian rivals.

A stunning strike from Bruma 13 minutes from time gave the Portuguese hope of snatching a draw, but Spain substitute Inaki Williams added a third goal in stoppage time to top off a fine performance.

UEFA provided the lineups ahead of kick-off:

Portugal started the stronger side as they dominated possession and threatened regularly in attack. Joao Cancelo looked particularly dangerous down the right flank, while Daniel Podence saw an effort hit the post.

However, they failed to make their dominance pay in the first quarter-hour and were behind in the 21st minute after Saul marauded through the Portuguese defence.

The Atletico Madrid youngster showed superb quick feet as he shimmied to the edge of the box past three Portugal defenders, and his shot nestled in the back of the net after a slight deflection.

La Rojita took control of proceedings after going ahead, and Hector Bellerin saw an effort well saved before Sandro put a decent strike past the post.

Portugal had their chances to equalise before the break but were largely limited to shots from distance.

Much like in the opening 45 minutes, manager Rui Jorge's side came storming out the traps in the second half as Bruno Fernandes forced a save and Podence whistled an effort just wide in the first five minutes.

Edgar Ie then kept Portugal in the contest with a brilliant clearance off the line after Marco Asensio's effort for Spain had beaten goalkeeper Bruno Varela.

Portugal continued to dominate but were again hit when, in the ascendancy, Sandro neatly turned home Gerard Deulofeu's ball from the right following a lightning counter-attack in the 64th minute.

Spain remained vulnerable, and Bruma's wonderstrike in the 77th minute got Portugal back in the game.

Bellerin made a decent clearance from a cross. But Bruma met the ball on the volley perfectly with his left foot, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had no chance.

Spanish football writer Sid Lowe was suitably impressed:

Portugal could not claim the momentum and find an equaliser, though, and Williams latched on to a long ball in the dying seconds before burying a fine finish in the far corner to add sheen to Spain's victory.