Capel keeps Spain in the frame

Diego Capel kept Spain in the running for a place in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs, ending the 100% record of Group 4 winners the Netherlands in the process.

The Sevilla FC winger struck what proved to be the clincher in the early stages of the second half after Bas Dost had quickly cancelled out Sergio Canales' 26th-minute opener. The Netherlands – who booked their place in the play-offs last month with a seventh successive victory – have finished their group campaign, while Spain visit Poland in their final fixture on Tuesday confirmed as runners-up in the section.

Capel also created his team's first with a cross from the byline which Canales cheekily converted with a back heel. The lead last all of six minutes, however, as Dost cleverly dispatched the rebound after David de Gea failed to gather Jerson Cabral's powerful effort.

Juan Mata's cross was converted by Capel nine minutes into the second half, before the Jong Oranje's Maikel Kieftenbeld was dismissed with 12 minutes remaining. Bojan Krkić squandered the chance to extend the margin of victory from the spot after Bram Nuytinck fouled Ander Herrera, but it mattered little for Spain kept their hopes alive.

New Spain coach Luis Milla, who in his previous role led the U19s to this summer's European final in France, told UEFA.com: "We knew that it would be a hard match. The Netherlands have a great team who are very fast and they have great technique, they know how to play football. To win was our aim and I congratulate the team on their efforts."