Last-eight heartbreak for Europeans

Germany denied
Although Brazil, aiming for a fifth title, had the lion's share of possession in a sweltering Tilburg, Germany took the lead in the 68th minute through second-half substitute Alexander Huber, who scrambled in a corner. However, with eight minutes left another replacement, Diego Tardelli, levelled as he headed in the rebound after Edcarlos's acrobatic effort slammed against the crossbar, and Rafael Sobis struck nine minutes into the additional half-hour with a powerful shot.

Spanish hope
Tardelli was booked twice in extra time, his dismissal coming three minutes from the end, but Brazil prevailed. On Saturday, Spain will try to set up a rematch of their 2003 final against Brazil when the reigning European Under-19 champions meet Argentina in Enschede.

Italy respond
Morocco, in the last eight of the competition for the first time, went ahead on 26 minutes against Italy in Utrecht through AS Saint-Etienne's Nabil El Zhar, who turned in Iajour Mouhssine's cross. However, Italy - equalling their best run in the tournament - were not disheartened and Paolo Berrettini's team took the game to their African opponents. Simone Bentivoglio had a penalty saved by Mohammed Bourkadi late in the first half after a handball, but in the 74th minute Michele Canini equalised, heading in a corner.

Penalties forced
Three minutes into extra time Francesco Battaglia, a late substitute, turned a Moroccan free-kick into his own net. But although Canini was then sent off for a second yellow card, the Azzurrini, who lost their first two matches in the Netherlands and came from behind to beat the United States in the last 16, scored again when Graziano Pelle found the target in the 112th minute, nodding in Lino Marzoratti's cross for his third goal of the finals.

Bourkadi the hero
Penalties ensued, and with Morocco having scored their first effort, Daniele Galloppa's shot was saved by Bourkadi. Substitute Rida Doulyazal then missed for Morocco, but Bourkadi denied Cristian Agnelli, and after both sides converted their third and fourth attempts, El Zhar kept his nerve to give Morocco a Kerkrade semi-final on Tuesday against the winner of tomorrow's tie at the same venue between the Dutch hosts and Nigeria.