Biseswar does the business

By Paul Saffer at Stadio Comunale Gabriele di Lupo

Diego Biseswar's winner 15 minutes from time took the Netherlands through to a UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final against hosts Italy on Wednesday.

Not enough
Already-eliminated Israel struck early through Tommar Snappir, but Jeffrey Sarpong equalised late in the first half and Biseswar put the Dutch ahead. Croatia's 5-2 win against Switzerland means they top Group B ahead of the Netherlands.

Unchanged Dutch
Dutch coach Ruud Kaiser named a starting lineup unchanged from their goalless draw with Switzerland on Thursday with Melvin Zaalman still injured, while goalkeeper Guy Hadini, defenders Snir Mishan and Eliran Malkan and midfielder Ran Abukrat were brought into Israel's side, Baram Kayal serving a suspension.

Israel ahead
The Netherlands knew they had no choice but to win, and began brightly. However, after seven minutes Moar Bar Buzgalo broke into the Dutch box and crossed for Snappir, who marked his 17th birthday in style by chipping Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Goalkeepers in action
Kaiser's team responded well, and in a clever free-kick move Ruud Vormner flicked the ball to captain Dirk Marcellis, but his shot was blocked by Israel goalkeeper Guy Hadini. At the other end, Bar Buzaglo was his usual menacing self, forcing Krul to dive.

Sarpong strikes
Diego Biseswar turned and shot straight at Hadini but just as it seemed the Netherlands would go in behind at the break, Sarpong broke through the Israeli defence and slipped the ball past Halimi. Marvin Emnes could even have given the Dutch the half-time advantage, but shot wide.

Constant pressure
Three points were still a Dutch necessity and five minutes into the second half Emnes was sent clear but Hadini stood tall. The Israelis were under constant pressure, Bar Buzaglo often cutting a lonely figure up front, but their back-line remained resolute.

Dutch heartbreak
Finally, though, the breakthrough 15 minutes from time, as Biseswar was sent through and calmly lofted past Halimi. At that point Switzerland made the score 2-2 against Croatia, meaning the Netherlands briefly needed two more goals, but the Swiss fell behind again and the Dutch were reprieved.