Dutch dream denied by Spain

Spain moved into the joint lead in UEFA European Under-19 Championship second qualifying round Group 1 after a 1-0 victory against the Netherlands that eliminated Ruud Gullit's team.

Garcia winner
The group hosts had drawn their opening match 0-0 with Lithuania, while the Dutch had lost 1-0 to Hungary. With around 1,300 fans in the Estádio San Fernando supporting the Spanish, home goalkeeper Gabriel Ribas had to make a fine save from Prince Mathilda to keep the scores level at the break. But 16 minutes from the end the home supporters were celebrating when William Garcia counterattacked from midfield and scored what proved to be the winner.

'Spain were better'
Gullit admitted: "It was a tough and tight match at a very high standard for these youngsters, Spain were the better team, especially after the break, so they deserved to win. It was good experience for our team. Our players are not used to this high level, so it is very important for them to play these mini-tournaments."

Tight group
With Hungary beating Lithuania 1-0 later in the day, the victors of Spain's match against the Hungarians on Monday evening will qualify. A draw would lead to a penalty shoot-out between the group top two unless Lithuania beat the Netherlands, in which case overall goal difference or goals scored would decide the group - and if all three are dead level, lots will be drawn.