Artful Spain seal progress

By Paul Nixon at Juan A. Samaranch stadium

Spain turned in a stunning display of attacking football to reach the semi-finals of the 2003/04 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with a dramatic win against Group B rivals Turkey.

Pulsating encounter
After early strikes from Juanfran and Silva were cancelled out by Ali Öztürk's fourth goal in two matches and Cafer Can Aksu's 87th-minute equaliser, Turkey thought they had secured a point, before Spain captain Robuste settled a pulsating encounter in Lausanne with the last kick of the game.

Juanfran volley
Victor was a towering presence in attack and with Juanfran pushing on from midfield, Spain had the better of the opening exchanges and took the lead on eight minutes when the two combined. A fine one-two on the edge of the area deceived a flat-footed backline leaving Juanfran to volley in from ten metres.

Silva goal
Five minutes later and Spain were two goals to the good. Jaime Gavilán's curling free-kick cannoned off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Silva the simple task of heading over the line with goalkeeper Sener Özcan stranded.

Lone striker
Having scored a hat-trick in the 4-3 win against Poland from a more withdrawn role, Öztürk experienced a frustrating evening as Turkey's lone striker, with Robuste marshalling his defensive charges superbly.

Ali on target
But the Gençlerbirligi SK player would not to be denied and added to his tally on the stroke of half-time, converting from the penalty spot after he had been impeded by right-back Sergio Ramos inside the area.

Attacking options
In a bid to increase their attacking options, Turkey introduced Selçuk Inan and Aksu at half-time, but it was Spain who made the brighter start to the second period. First, Juanfran's trickery on the right flank presented Silva with a shot on goal that Sener Özcan managed to smother, before Victor missed from three metres with the goal at his mercy.

Tempo change
After the frenetic pace that had graced the first half, the tempo dropped considerably for the second 45 minutes and further clear-cut chances came at a premium. Roberto Soldado replaced Victor in attack and was unlucky not to score after fellow substitute Joan Tomas found space inside the area to cross, Soldado's glancing header to be kept out by the crossbar.

Late equaliser
That proved to be the signal for Turkey to up the ante and Aksu burst through the Spain defence, rounded Ribas and slotted the ball into the unguarded net for what looked to be the goal that would earn his side a precious share of the spoils.

Robuste delight
However, with the match in stoppage time, Spain won a corner on the right and when Turkey failed to clear, Robuste headed in from close range via a deflection off Sener for a fitting finale to a match that kept the boisterous crowd on the edge of their seats throughout.

Turkey need win
But while Spain have secured a semi-final spot, Turkey go into their final game against Germany on Sunday needing a win if they are to join them. However, Poland's defeat by the Germans today means that both Turkey and Spain will play in next year's FIFA World Youth Championship.