Pacheco strikes late for Spain progress

Spain are through to their first UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-final since they won their fourth title in 2007 after two Daniel Pacheco goals gave them victory against Portugal.

Pacheco struck two minutes from time to ensure Luis Milla's side will finish top of Group B regardless of Saturday's result against Italy. Portugal equalised with 12 minutes left through Rúben Pinto but having, like Spain, won their opener, they know a draw against Croatia will ensure progress to Tuesday's semis.

If Portugal held the psychological edge thanks to their 1-0 qualifying round win against the same opponents eight months ago, it was not apparent in a first half dominated by Spain. Liverpool FC attacker Pacheco set the tone early on when he latched on to Rodri's pass only to see his powerful shot punched away by Tiago Maia.

The same pair combined again in the 12th minute to produce Spain's opener, Pacheco rifling in Rodri's precise through ball. Sergio Canales should have doubled Spain's lead soon after but, having received Oriol Romeu's pass, the recent Real Madrid CF acquisition sent his low drive close enough to Maia for the keeper to save.

Hoping to add to the three points his team collected from their opening win against Italy, Portugal coach Ilídio Vale opted to make a double substitution at half-time, with SL Benfica pair Pinto and Evandro entering the fray. The change sparked a switch in momentum with Spain pressed on to the back foot.

Pinto, who scored in Portugal's qualifying defeat of Spain, might have done better than to head wide when well placed five minutes after the restart, but he made no mistake in driving a powerful effort from just inside the penalty area in off the woodwork 12 minutes from the end. With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Pacheco popped up on the left before shooting in low at the near post to earn his team a last-four berth.