Gerard goals put paid to Portugal

Two Gerard goals in the last 11 minutes ensured Spain reached the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals as Group A winners with a 2-0 victory that ended Portugal's campaign.

France's 3-1 comeback win against Switzerland meant that Portugal had to secure a two-goal victory and although they had some good chances, Gerard was to dash their dreams, his first strike a solo effort and the second direct from a corner. Spain will now face Group B runners-up Turkey here on Thursday.

Sancidino Silva took over from Betinho in the central striking role for Portugal and put a tenth-minute effort over after Ricardo Esgaio's effort was blocked. At the other end Aitor Castro made André Pereira save but Portugal broke and João Carlos curled his shot just wide.

Spain had been largely subdued but in the 18th minute Jesé Rodríguez came to life as he skipped past two defenders and tested Pereira from the edge of the box. Jesé and Gerard both gave occasional shows of thrilling skill and almost combined to set up Paco for a fifth goal of the finals, but in the end his shot was high. Just before the break Pereira had to dive to tip over Gerard's looping strike.

At half-time France trailed Switzerland, so a draw was looking good for Portugal, but Les Mini-Bleus struck twice early in their second period.  Midfielder Mateus Fonseca and Betinho, both dropped from the starting lineup, were introduced and the forward immediately sent a free-kick narrowly over.

Betinho turned a Fonseca cross into the arms of Adrián Ortolá, but Portugal's hopes were ended 11 minutes from time when Gerard – quiet up to then in the second half – showed a mastery of close control in the box before beating Pereira from a tight angle. Four minutes later Gerard's corner from the left curled straight in and Portugal were out.