Are Astro showing?

I know Eurosport showed some matches of it but is it full coverage?

Wanna watch England and Italy play. And Spain.

I think channel 84 got showing gua...

I dun think Eurosports showed another competition for Under-21...I dunno whether they're gonna show Euro under-21 though...but i think most probably Supersports' gonna show..

spain not qualify after lose to italy in play off

Highlights from the opening match featuring Holland against Israel

http://footballocks.net/index.php/category...1-championship/

TS should attach more info in 1st post

Czech Republic Vs England Under-21 Highlights

Match Highlights

Serbia Vs Italy Under-21 Highlights

Match Highlights

Milovanović strike upsets Italy
Missed chances
In what is widely considered the oldest city in the Netherlands, the new generation of continental superstars showed how one of football's strongest traditions - the failure to take chances proving costly - still holds true in the modern game. Italy spurned three excellent first-half opportunities and were made to pay 18 minutes into the second half when Milovanović, one of four Serbia players on show who were involved in the 2004 final defeat by Italy, drilled in the only goal from distance. Serbia next play the Czech Republic, who drew 0-0 with Italy's next opponents England earlier in the day, on Thursday.

Counterattack danger
Serbia coach Miroslav Djukić had said he expected Italy to allow his side to control the pace of the match while looking to threaten on the counterattack, and so it proved as the Serbs - the top scorers in qualifying among the eight finalists with ten goals in four games - pressed forward from the outset. They struggled to unpick a typically well-drilled Italy defence, however, and it was the Azzurrini who menaced first, Raffaele Palladino and Alberto Aquilani fashioning a chance for Giampaolo Pazzini on the edge of the area. The ACF Fiorentina striker had hit a hat-trick in Italy's last U21 outing, against England in March, but this time his shot slipped past the post.

Kahriman saves
Italy then lost goalkeeper Gianluca Curci, who limped off with a groin strain, but his replacement Emiliano Viviano had little to do as Pierluigi Casiraghi's team began to take command. Serbia keeper Damir Kahriman got down smartly to gather Riccardo Montolivo's low effort and touched Palladino's attempt wide after the midfielder had latched on to Giorgio Chiellini's through-ball, although the Azzurrini should have been ahead before then. Alessandro Rosina, becoming the first Italian to take part in three U21 finals, sprang Serbia's offside trap with a lofted pass that found Palladino in the clear, but again the forward could only steer a shot wide.

Milovanović winner
Serbia started the second period on the front foot and Milan Smiljanić's curling drive forced Viviano into gainful employment for the first time. Substitute Zoran To ić then flashed a shot over yet Italy failed to heed the warning and fell behind three minutes past the hour. Two of the veterans of 2004 were involved, Bo ko Janković's attempted flick falling perfectly for Milovanović to thump an unstoppable 25-metre effort low into the corner of the net. The Italy keeper then kept out the goalscorer's free-kick, which looked destined to find the other corner, although Pazzini wasted a glorious chance to equalise in added time, heading over Andrea Raggi's cross as one goal proved enough for a jubilant Serbia.

England rue Lita miss in stalemate

England striker Leroy Lita misses a penalty (GettyImages)Leroy Lita missed an 88th-minute penalty as England were held to a goalless draw by the Czech Republic in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B opener.

No breakthrough
The second-half substitute grazed Zdenĕk Zlámal's right upright with his spot-kick two minutes from time after good work from David Nugent had drawn a handball from Roman Hubník. It would have edged a tense encounter at the Gelredome, which saw plenty of chances go begging after half-time. Kieran Richardson should have broken the deadlock on 49 minutes but contrived to apply too light a touch from two metres out. It marked the start of a vibrant spell. Daniel Pudil blazed over when he should have done better, though he almost made amends soon after, his fierce free-kick looking destined for the top corner before it was tipped on to the crossbar by Scott Carson. Next it was Nugent's turn, capitalising on a Lubo Hu ek slip and firing centimetres past the post. It was not a day for strikers.

Fractious half
The previous person to play at the Gelredome had been Dutch trance artist DJ Tïesto, but there was little high tempo in a fractious first half where defences dominated. The expectant crowd had to wait until the seventh minute before Tom Huddlestone fired the first salvo of the game well wide of the post. It was to prove a nervous opening for the Tottenham Hotspur FC youngster and moments later his slip almost let in Ladislav korpil's side. Franti ek Rajtoral capitalised on some lax control midway through England's half before feeding the ball to Jan Kysela, whose deflected effort was parried to safety by Carson.

Rajtoral zip
Much of the organised Czechs' more expansive play was coming from the colourful boots of Rajtoral, who needed little invitation to drift in from the right wing and work space for his forwards. He gained some success but his team lost momentum when Daniel Kolář was replaced by Martin Fillo on 18 minutes and England took the initiative. Nigel Reo-Coker disappointed when he was put through by Huddlestone and drove over, though the captain bore no fault moments later when he was denied by a superb last-ditch challenge from Michal vec as he prepared to shoot after a blistering counterattack led by Nugent.

Defensive absentees
Despite these openings, England were struggling to marry possession with meaningful chances as the Czech Republic's deep-lying defence frustrated their pacy attackers, and they always appeared susceptible on the counterattack. With Anton Ferdinand joining the suspended Steven Taylor on the sidelines after failing to shake off a groin injury, coach Stuart Pearce had been forced to partner right-back Nedum Onuoha and Gary Cahill in central defence. The latter did well to block a goal-bound Kysela strike nine minutes before half-time yet at times he struggled to deal with the guile of the lone forward.

Richardson miss
Indeed, the centre-back was booked three minutes after the restart; the turning of the tide, perhaps, in the battle between attack and defence. Within a minute England should have gone ahead when James Milner's cross was headed towards the back post by Nugent and Richardson missed with the goal at his mercy. It was a sign of things to come as even when he had only the goalkeeper to beat, Lita slotted wide.



This post has been edited by faris21: Jun 12 2007, 08:57 AM

The Host


The Teams


The Venues




Fixtures
10/06/07 - Group A - Netherlands vs Israel - Heerenveen...
10/06/07 - Group A - Portugal vs Belgium - Groningen...
11/06/07 - Group B - Czech Republic vs England - Arnhem...
11/06/07 - Group B - Serbia vs Italy - Nijmegen...
13/06/07 - Group A - Israel vs Belgium - Heerenveen...
13/06/07 - Group A - Netherlands vs Portugal - Groningen...
14/06/07 - Group B - Czech Republic vs Serbia - Nijmegen...
14/06/07 - Group B - England vs Italy - Arnhem...
16/06/07 - Group A - Belgium vs Netherlands - Heerenveen...
16/06/07 - Group A - Israel vs Portugal - Groningen...
17/06/07 - Group B - Italy vs Czech Republic - Arnhem...
17/06/07 - Group B - England vs Serbia - Nijmegen...
20/06/07 - Semi-Final 1 - Group A winners vs Group B runner-ups - Heerenveen...
20/06/07 - Semi-Final 2 - Group B winners vs Group A runner-ups - Arnhem...
21/06/07 - 3rd-Place - Loser Semi-Final 1 vs Loser Semi-Final 2 - Nijmegen...
23/06/07 - Final - Winner Sem-Final 1 vs Winner Semi-Final 2 - Groningen...

The Trophy

Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (Roma), Andrea Consigli (S.S. Sambenedettese), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia)

Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Internazionale), Michele Canini (Cagliari), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Andrea Mantovani (Chievo), Marco Motta (Udinese), Andrea Raggi (Empoli)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Luca Cigarini (Parma), Daniele Dessena (Parma), Andrea Lazzari (Piacenza), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza), Simone Padoin (Vicenza), Alessandro Rosina (Torino)

Forwards: Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Graziano Pellè (Cesena), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma)

* Marco Motta replaces captain Alessandro Potenza...

Coach: Pierluigi Casiraghi... coachin' experiences includes Monza (2002... youth team)... Legnano (2003) & started with the Azzurrini since 2006...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: winners 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004; finalists 1986; semi-finalists 1984, 2002

Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Liam Rosenior (Fulham), Steven Taylor (Newcastle United), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff)

Midfielders: Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), James Milner (Newcastle), Mark Noble (West Ham), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Tottenham)

Forwards: Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston North End), James Vaughan (Everton), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

* David Bentley withdraws and accordin' to the rules cannot be replaced...

Coach: Stuart Pearce... coachin' experiences includes Nottingham Forest (1996-1997... player-manager)... Manchester City (2001-2005... first-team coach)... Manchester City (2005-2007... manager) & started for the England Under-21s since 2007...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: winners 1982, 1984; semi-finalists 1978, 1986

Goalkeepers: Tom Al Madon (Maccabi Haifa), Yossef Shekel (Maccabi Herzliya), Ohad Levita (Hapoel Kfar-Saba)

Defenders: Dekel Keinan (Maccabi Haifa), Moshe Shai Maymon (Maccabi Herzliya), Nitzan Damari (Maccabi Petach-Tikva), Naor Peser (Maccabi Petach-Tikva), Eliran Danin (Hapoel Kfar-Saba), Yuval Shpungin (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Rami Duani (Hapoel Tel-Aviv), Dani Bondarv (Hapoel Tel-Aviv)

Midfielders: Idan Srur (Hapoel Petach-Tikva), Lior Gan (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Shiran Yeiny (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Aviram Baruchyan (Beitar Jerusalem), Lior Rafaelov (Maccabi Haifa), Amir Taga (Maccabi Netanya)

Forwards: Amit Ben Shushan (Beitar Jerusalem), Toto Tamuz (Beitar Jerusalem), Barak Itzhaki (Beitar Jerusalem), Omer Peretz (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Ben Sahar (Chelsea), Shlomi Arbeitman (Maccabi Haifa)

Coach: Guy Levy... coachin' experiences includes Hapoel Petach-Tikva (1994-1996)... Hapoel Zafririm Holon (1996-1999)... Hapoel Petach-Tikva (2000-2002) & started with the Israel Under-21s since 2004...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: first appearance

Goalkeepers: Damir Kahriman (FK Vojvodina), Igor Stefanović (FK Zemun), Aleksandar Kesić (FK Mladost Apatin)

Defenders: Nemanja Rnić (FK Partizan), Branislav Ivanović (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Du ko To ić (FC Sochaux-Montbéliard), Gojko Kačar (FK Vojvodina), Aleksandar Kolarov (OFK Beograd), Nikola Petković (FK Vojvodina), Slobodan Rajković (OFK Beograd), Antonio Rukavina (FK Partizan), Du an Basta (FK Crvena Zvezda)

Midfielders: Milo Krasić (PFC CSKA Moskva), Nikola Drinčić (FC Amkar Perm), Bo ko Janković (RCD Mallorca), Zoran To ić (FK Banat Zrenjanin), Milan Smiljanić (FK Partizan), Djordje Ivelja (OFK Beograd), Predrag Pavlović (FK Napredak Kru evac), Dejan Milovanović (FK Crvena Zvezda), Stefan Babović (OFK Beograd)

Forwards: Djordje Rakić (OFK Beograd), Dragan Mrdja (K. Lierse SK)

Coach: Miroslav Djukić... coachin' experiences includes Serbia Under-21s since 2006 & FK Partizan (2007)... will step down as coach of the Under-21s at the end of the tournament...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: winners 1978; runners-up 1990, 2004; semi-finalists 1980, 2006

Goalkeepers: Logan Bailly (KRC Genk), Frank Boeckx (K. Sint-Truidense VV), Michaël Cordier (FC Molenbeek Brussels Strombeek)

Defenders: Laurent Ciman (R. Charleroi SC), Steve Colpaert (FC Molenbeek Brussels Strombeek), Sepp De Roover (Sparta Rotterdam), Guillaume Gillet (KAA Gent), Nicolas Lombaerts (KAA Gent), Landry Mulemo (K. Sint-Truidense VV), Sébastien Pocognoli (KRC Genk), Thomas Vermaelen (AFC Ajax), Jan Vertonghen (RKC Waalwijk/AFC Ajax)

Midfielders: Jonathan Blondel (Club Brugge KV), Marouane Fellaini (R. Standard de Liège), Faris Haroun (KRC Genk), Maarten Martens (AZ Alkmaar), Killian Overmeire (KSC Lokeren OV), Anthony Vanden Borre (RSC Anderlecht), Axel Witsel (R. Standard de Liège)

Forwards: Tom De Sutter (Cercle Brugge KSV), Tom De Mul (AFC Ajax), Stijn De Smet (Cercle Brugge KSV), Kevin Mirallas (LOSC Lille Métropole)

Coach: Jean-François De Sart... coachin' experiences includes Belgium Under-13 (1995-1996... assistant coach)... Belgium Under-21 (1996-1997... assistant coach)... Belgium Under-19 (1997-1999) & started with the Belgium Under-21s since 1999...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: group stage 2002

Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle), Kenneth Vermeer (AFC Ajax), Boy Waterman (AZ Alkmaar)

Defenders: Ryan Donk (AZ Alkmaar), Royston Drenthe (Feyenoord), Calvin Jong-A-Pin (SC Heerenveen), Arnold Kruiswijk (FC Groningen), Erik Pieters (FC Utrecht), Frank van der Struijk (Willem II), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gianni Zuiverloon (SC Heerenveen)

Midfielders: Ismaïl Aissati (FC Twente), Otman Bakkal (FC Twente), Luigi Bruins (SC Excelsior), Hedwiges Maduro (AFC Ajax), Haris Medunjanin (Sparta Rotterdam), Robbert Schilder (Heracles Almelo)

Forwards: Ryan Babel (AFC Ajax), Roy Beerens (NEC Nijmegen), Tim Janssen (RKC Waalwijk), Julian Jenner (AZ Alkmaar), Daniel de Ridder (RC Celta de Vigo), Maceo Rigters (NAC Breda)

Coach: Foppe de Haan... coachin' experiences includes VV Drachtster Boys (1977-1980)... ACV (1980-1983)... VV Steenwijk (1983-1985)... Heerenveen (1985-1988 and 1992-2004)... & started with the Netherlands Under-21s since 2004...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: winners 2006; semi-finals 1988, 1998; quarter-finals 1992

Goalkeepers: João Botelho (CD Santa Clara), Paulo Ribeiro (FC Porto), Ricardo Batista (Fulham)

Defenders: Semedo (Cagliari), Amoreirinha (CF Estrela da Amadora), Rolando (CF Os Belenenses), Antunes (FC Paços de Ferreira), João Pereira (Gil Vicente FC), José Gonçalves (Heart of Midlothian FC), Manuel Da Costa (PSV Eindhoven), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Clube de Portugal)

Midfielders: Filipe Oliveira (CS Marítimo), Manuel Fernandes (Everton), Organista (Pontevedra CF), João Moutinho (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Paulo Machado (UD Leiria), Ruben Amorim (CF Os Belenenses)

Forwards: Ricardo Vaz Té (Bolton Wanderers), Nani (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Yannick Djaló (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), João Moreira (Valencia CF), Silvestre Varela (Vitória FC)

Coach: José Couceiro... coachin' experiences includes Alverca (2002-2004)... Vitória (2004)... Porto (2005)... Os Belenenses (2005-2006) & started with the Portugal Under-21s since 2006...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: semi-finalists: 1994; third place: 2004

Goalkeepers: Josef Kubásek (FC Baník Sokolov), Milan venger (FC Zenit Čáslav), Zdeněk Zlámal (FC Zlín)

Defenders: Roman Hubník (FC Moskva), Michal Kadlec (AC Sparta Praha), Josef Kaufman (FK Teplice), Jiří Kladrubský (SK Dynamo České Budějovice), Martin Klein (FK Teplice), Milan Kopic (FK Mladá Boleslav), Martin Latka (SK Slavia Praha)

Midfielders: Tomá Jirsák (FK Teplice), Franti ek Rajtoral (FC Baník Ostrava), Mário Holek (1. FC Brno), Lubo Hu ek (AC Sparta Praha), Daniel Pudil (FC Slovan Liberec), Michal vec (SK Slavia Praha), Daniel Kolář (AC Sparta Praha)

Forwards: Jan Bla ek (FC Slovan Liberec), Martin Fillo (FC Viktoria Plzeň), Jan Holenda (Dynamo České Budějovice), Michal Papadopulos (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Jan Kysela (FK Mladá Boleslav), Tomá Krbeček (FC Viktoria Plzeň)

Coach: Ladislav korpil... coachin' experiences includes Spartak Hradec Králové (1969-1990... youth teams)... Czechoslovakia Under-16s and Under-18s (1982-1990)... SK Hradec Králové (1990-1993)... DAC Dunajská Streda (1993-1994)... FK Dukla Praha (1995-1997)... DAC Dunajská Streda (1997-1998)... Hradec Králové (1998)... FC Slovan Liberec (1999-2004) & started with the Czech Republic Under-21s since 2004...

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record: winners 2002; runners-up 2000

hooooohhoooo good work scorps
tonight we have two macth



This post has been edited by faris21: Jun 13 2007, 04:02 PM

Belgium won against Israel, 1-0 with a goal from Mirallas! He played a good match and so did Vertonghen.

Fellaini was sent off after some 20 minutes so Belgium played most of the time with 10 vs. 11.

Netherlands 2 - 1 Portugal

Drive and vigour
Van Basten would have liked what he saw as Foppe de Haan's Jong Oranje played with a drive and vigour missing from their victory against Israel four days earlier. Goals in each half from Ryan Babel, a penalty, and Maceo Rigters and another commanding performance from Royston Drenthe made sure of the points, though a near capacity crowd in the Euroborg were made to sweat for victory after Miguel Veloso pulled a goal back late on. While the Netherlands can now dream of the Olympics, Portugal must beat Israel on Saturday if they are to avoid an early exit for the second year running.

Drenthe impresses
It was safety first for Portugal coach José Couceiro who had clearly picked Drenthe out as the Dutch dangerman. He made three changes from the side that had drawn with Belgium, and two of the new faces, Amoreirinha and Ruben Amorim, came in on the right in a bid to contain the Feyenoord player. Drenthe, though, simply picked up from where he left off against Israel. Amoreirinha was booked for bringing him down in the fifth minute before Drenthe crossed to Ryan Donk, who just as Babel had done against Israel, contrived to shoot over when it looked easier to score.

Exhilarating
Belgium's victory against Israel earlier in the evening had added to the pressure on Portugal who enjoyed plenty of possession without creating any end product. In contrast, the Netherlands attacked with purpose with Drenthe the driving force. On 27 minutes the 20-year-old blazed over after another exhilarating forward dash and it seemed a goal could not be long in coming.

Babel scores
It duly arrived six minutes later. Babel fed Rigters on the right and the striker was brought down by goalkeeper Paulo Ribeiro. Babel drilled in the spot kick to bring the Netherlands their reward. The substitution of Boy Waterman, who was suffering from a back injury, for Kenneth Vermeer, the Netherlands goalkeeper when they won this competition last year, briefly slowed Dutch momentum, but De Haan's side were soon back in full flow, Otman Bakkal slipping the ball to Rigters who shot against the post two minutes before the break.

Moutinho subdued
Bakkal had replaced the injured Ismaïl Aissati, who will play no further part in the competition because of a torn meniscus, but the PSV Eindhoven player's absence was not felt in the first half against a Portugal side that showed little urgency until after the break. Vermeer was soon forced into saves from Hugo Almeida and Veloso, but when Couceiro was sent to the stands for persistent complaining on 63 minutes it only served to rouse the home crowd.

Rigters strikes
Portugal were increasingly forcing the holders back and were unlucky not to draw level on 72 minutes. Semedo's shot deflected off Vlaar, but Vermeer showed great reflexes to save. Three minutes later the Netherlands appeared to make the game safe when Rigters turned in Drenthe's low cross. Veloso's superb free-kick with 13 minutes to play, however, set up a tense finale which brought plenty of drama but no further goals.

Highlights from Holland Vs Portugal

http://footballocks.net/index.php/266/port...-21-highlights/

Highlights From Belgium Vs Israel

http://footballocks.net/index.php/265/belg...-21-highlights/

Holland no8(Drenthe) very aggresif,i like it,his hair like Edgar Davids,his style too

This post has been edited by faris21: Jun 14 2007, 11:52 AM

last night match:

England 2-2 Italy

Czech Republic 0-1 Serbia


6/14/2007 10:35 PM
Under-21: Italy Snatch England Draw, Serbia Into Semis

Italy responded bravely to going 2-0 down to England, and stamped their authority on the game in the second half, picking up a draw that keeps both teams alive. However, the Azzurrini are on the brink, with qualification now out of their own hands.


Goals from David Nugent and Leroy Lita handed England a 2-0 lead on the back of a spectacular start.

However, it could well have been 4-0 before Italy could take stock, but for Lita failing to tap into an open net, and Nugent striking the bar.

Casiraghi's boys had been put to the sword, but England had failed to wrap it up, and slowly but surely, the Azzurini began to find their feet.

They pulled one back before the break when England failed to deal with a corner, and the ball bobbed in off Chiellini.

England went into the break leading 2-1, but it was a scoreline that still flattered Italy, despite Palladino and Pazzini both testing Scott Carson.

Stuart Pearce's boys would come to regret that, as Italy turned on the style after the break.

They were the better team by some distance, and when Alberto Aquilani crashed a left footed effort into the net from 35 yards out (with help from Scott Carson), few could deny that they had deserved it.

At 2-2, both teams went for the winner, desperate Italy more so, but despite 4 minutes of time added on, it ended as a draw.

The result, while keeping them both alive, really suits neither, as Serbia took charge of the group with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic, through a goal from young Mallorca starlet Bosko Jankovic.

The Serbs are through as group leaders with 6 points, England on 2, and Italy and Czechs on 1. Serbia are through, and if England beat them on Sunday, they are through. Italy must now beat the Czechs, and hope England fail to win, to have any chance.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=328331

Highlights from the England Vs Italy match

Match Highlights

Highlights between the Serbs and the Czech Republic

Match Highlights

This post has been edited by Va Va Voom: Jun 15 2007, 09:07 AM

Italians peg back Pearce's starlets

Stuart Pearce's England Under-21s let a two-goal lead slip in a 2-2 European Championship draw with Group B rivals Italy in Arnhem.

David Nugent and Leroy Lita, who had earlier missed an open goal, put Pearce's youngsters ahead before the Azzurri forced their way back into the reckoning under the closed roof at the Gelredome to keep themselves in the competition.

Giorgio Chiellini and Alberto Aquilani scored either side of the break to earn a draw for Pierluigi Casiraghi's side.

Softening the blow for Pearce is knowing a win on Sunday against Serbia, who reached the semi-finals after beating Czech Republic, will see them through to the last four.

He also saw his change in formation produce the open match of an otherwise defensive tournament so far.

England had been unbeaten since 2005 but Pearce saw enough in the goalless draw against Czech Republic to want more of an attacking threat and dispensed with the normal lone-striker formation that saw them through qualifying.

With Lita and Nugent in attack, England started at the Premier League pace Pearce had talked about prior to the game. Lita almost got behind the Italians twice before his embarrassing miss.

Mark Noble, making his first start at Under-21 level, played the ball through in the 17th minute and Lita rounded goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano but poked weakly wide.

The Reading striker thumped an effort against the crossbar a minute later when he latched onto the ball after Nugent challenged Viviano for a cross and the ball fell to him.

It was Nugent who grabbed the first, in the 24th minute, with a classic striker's finish. Leighton Baines provided the cross and the Preston striker steered home with a diving header.

Lita made amends for his earlier misses by tucking away the second. Riccardo Montolivo lost the ball to Nugent in a dangerous position, with Ashley Young then slipping Lita through to finish.

It sparked jubilant celebrations straight into the television cameras after he also missed a penalty against the Czechs.

Knowing defeat would send them home at the group stage, the Azzurri pushed forward, with the attacks led by Giampaolo Pazzini, who scored a hat-trick at Wembley earlier in the year.

The Fiorentina striker forced a save from Scott Carson, who equalled the record of 27 England Under-21 caps with his appearance, with a header from a corner.

Liverpool goalkeeper Carson saw Aquilani's free-kick skim his crossbar, but Italy pulled one back with a fortunate strike from Chiellini.

The Italy skipper did not know much about his finish when a corner ricocheted to him in the 35th minute.

Steven Taylor had seen an early chance saved at point-blank range and he was a constant threat with his height from attacks, missing a chance to restore the two-goal cushion just before the break at the back post.

Italy coach Casiraghi responded by bringing on Giuseppe Rossi and Marco Motta at the break, and Rossi was off target with a his long-range efforts early in the second half.

Carson was tested by a long-range drive by Aquilani, while Taylor got on the end of another teasing cross but could not steer his finish home.

The Italians thought they should have had a penalty when Justin Hoyte got in the way of a shot, while Alessandro Rosina pulled a drive just wide.

England remained a threat on the counter attack and skipper Nigel Reo-Coker forced a save with a powerful drive after Lita held the ball up on the edge of the area.

But Italy were level in the 69th minute when Aquilani drilled in from 25 yards after Rosina had flicked the ball to him.

Rosina dipped an effort just over Carson's bar, while Montolivo tested Carson with a 40-yard drive.

Young then went on a run and saw his effort pushed onto the crossbar and away to safety.

Source: Teamtalk

Lita looking to book semi spot

Leroy Lita is positive England can reach the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals despite blowing a two-goal lead to draw with Italy.

David Nugent and Lita put Stuart Pearce's men in complete control midway through the first half but pre-tournament favourites the Azzurrini hit back to avoid an early exit.

A victory against Serbia in their final group game will guarantee England's progress and Lita said on Sky Sports 1: "It's disappointing not to win the game.

"We gave ourselves a great start, we had a lot of chances.

"We dropped too deep and allowed them back into the game.

"But we're still in the tournament and we've got to go into the last game being positive."

Lita missed two sitters - to add to his penalty woe in the opening game - before making partial amends with England's second goal.

He added: "I wanted to make sure I got on the scoresheet. I'm not one of those players who's going to hide."

Nugent said: "We seemed to back off a little bit any they got back in the game. They're a quality side."

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was watching the game and when asked about speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League new boys, Nugent said: "It's all speculation. He could be coming to watch anybody.

"I've not been in contact. I've been linked with a few clubs. Obviously, I've got to keep on playing well in the tournament and see what happens afterwards."

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce was pleased his side's destiny remains in their own hands after the draw.

"We know our fate now," he said. "If they can show that determination I think we will win (against Serbia), but it will be a tough game again.

"The effort and endeavour from both teams - I thought it was a great spectacle and a credit to the tournament.

"I thought we showed signs of tiredness, but the determination of all of them, they don't want to be beaten.

"We still haven't been beaten and we have to try to win the game and go through to the semi-final. But the ball's in our court."

He added: "I thought it would be a cricket score in the first 20 minutes, we were outstanding.

"For much of the game we had to dig in. Their mentality was that they had to win, and it was ours too."

Pearce hailed the performance of Aston Villa forward Ashley Young, who was again one of the game's most influential figures but who will miss the Serbia game after receiving a second booking of the tournament in the dying moments.

"It will be a massive blow," Pearce admitted. "He has excited me.

He is doing himself no harm in my opinion."

Source: Teamtalk

Yeah me too.

weeiiii,sejak bile ko layan Football Lounge ni

Have anyone heard malaysian under 21 got choosen for Manchester City or something? Way to go malaysian footballer.

Im sorry if off topic. Hehe

Belgium 2
Mirallas 9 , Pocognoli 70

Netherlands 2
Rigters 13 , Drenthe 37

Pocognoli goal
With Belgium trailing 2-1 at half-time and Group A rivals Portugal beating Israel, Jean-François De Sart's side looked to be heading out of the competition. But Pocognoli made sure of their safe passage and a place in the Olympic Games when he drove powerfully beyond Kenneth Vermeer with 20 minutes left. The draw means the Netherlands finish top of Group A on seven points, two ahead of Belgium. Foppe de Haan's team will play their semi-final here on Wednesday while Belgium travel to Arnhem to play Group B winners Serbia.

Bailly save
De Haan made four changes from the side that defeated Portugal, the most surprising being Ryan Donk's move out of central defence to take the holding midfield role in place of Hedwiges Maduro. What had not changed was the confidence running through the team and after only a minute, man of the moment Royston Drenthe had raised the pulse with a shot just wide. The Netherlands were already guaranteed a ticket to the semi-finals but there was no let-up here and their attacking intentions nearly paid off on six minutes when Donk's point-blank effort was blocked by goalkeeper Logan Bailly.

Mirallas opener
Suspensions and injury had forced Belgium coach De Sart's hand and his new-look lineup took time to settle. When they finally got hold of the ball, they quickly found their feet and scored with their first meaningful attack. Tom De Mul crossed for Kevin Mirallas who headed past Vermeer on nine minutes. For the first time in the tournament the Netherlands were behind, but not for long. In front of nearly 26,000 the Jong Oranje responded in the best possible way on 13 minutes, Ryan Babel playing in strike partner Maceo Rigters for a low shot past Bailly.

Drenthe strike
An earlier downpour had left a sodden surface yet it could not dampen enthusiasm for this derby as both teams created chances in an entertaining first half. By kick-off the sun had come out and once again it was shining brightly on the irrepressible Drenthe who curled in a free-kick on 37 minutes to put the Netherlands in front. Bailly got a full palm to it, but it seems nothing can stop the Feyenoord man at the moment. With Portugal leading Israel 2-0 at half-time, Belgium were facing elimination as they came out for the start of the second half.

Salvation
Mirallas flashed an early opportunity over and Faris Haroun came close with a header, yet they lacked urgency and the Netherlands almost went further ahead on 67 minutes when Bailly saved sharply to his right to keep out Daniël de Ridder's attempt. Out of the blue, though, Belgium drew level. Pocognoli pushed forward down the left and Vermeer could only push his rising shot into the goal. Belgium supporters were as surprised as they were ecstatic. Although Otman Bakkal had a deflected strike skim wide late on for the Netherlands, it was the Belgium fans who ended the contest in full voice. Arnhem and Beijing here they come.

Israel 0
Portugal 4
Manuel Fernandes 37 , Ricardo Vaz Té 45 , Miguel Veloso 49 , Nani 50

Mood turns sour
Leading 4-0 through goals from Manuel Fernandes, Ricardo Vaz Té, Miguel Veloso and Nani, everything looked rosy for Portugal until the 70th minute when news filtered through that Belgium had equalised against the Netherlands. With the inspirational Nani departing on a stretcher in the same minute, suddenly the mood turned sour for José Couceiro's side. While Portugal must now wait for tomorrow's Group B deciders to find out if third place will earn them a play-off for a berth at the 2008 Olympic Games, Israel's first U21 finals ended with this third successive defeat.

Flash of quality
Portugal had 70 per cent of possession during the opening quarter-hour yet it was Israel who had the first chance of note on 17 minutes. Idan Srur swung in a free-kick from the right but the unmarked Lior Rafaelov failed to make contact and Paulo Ribeiro saved with his feet. Almost immediately at the other end, we saw the first flash of quality from one of Portugal's highly-rated attackers as João Moutinho skipped past Eliran Danin and centred to Vaz Té but the forward, appearing for the first time in the Netherlands, headed over.

Nani to the fore
That sparked a succession of chances with Nani at the heart of everything. The new Manchester United FC winger had one shot deflected over, then drove another at Tom Al Madon from Hugo Almeida's knock-down. After the besieged goalkeeper had turned behind Manuel Da Costa's low free-kick, Nani was at it again, hitting the top of the net with an overhead kick. A goal seemed inevitable and when it came on 37 minutes, Nani was involved again, Manuel Fernandes playing a one-two with him before driving in a fierce shot in off the underside of the crossbar. Al Madon then kept out a Nani header but on the stroke of half-time, it was 2-0 as Vaz Té headed in João Pereira's pinpoint cross.

No respite
The second half brought no respite for Israel and by the 50th minute, Portugal were out of sight. First Miguel Veloso's free-kick from out on the right evaded everyone, Al Madon included, on its way inside the far post. Sixty seconds later Nani flashed the ball past the goalkeeper from 20 metres. A real pity then that the talented 20-year-old's evening ended prematurely after a heavy tackle from Israel substitute Dani Bondarv. Israel prevented any further damage as Al Madon denied Moutinho and Danin headed off the line from Vaz Té, but Guy Levy's men missed out on the consolation of a first goal in the competition when Paulo Ribeiro saved Rami Duani's late close-range effort. While Portugal wait to see if there will indeed be an Olympic play-off on 21 June, for captain Hugo Almeida his involvement in the Netherlands is over having picked up another booking here.

Match Highlights Between Portugal Vs Israel

http://footballocks.net/index.php/273/port...-21-highlights/

Nani in a state as Portugal bow out

Holland and Belgium's 2-2 draw booked their places in the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals, with Portugal bowing out.

Sebastien Pocognoli's goal on 70 minutes earned Belgium a draw with the hosts and second place in their group, with the draw still enough to secure top spot for Holland after two victories from their first two games.

Kevin Maralas gave Belgium a ninth-minute lead before the Dutch hit back, first through Maceo Rigters (13) and then Royston Drenthe's free-kick, which cruelly slipped through the palms of keeper Logan Bailly.

At Euroborg, Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and Everton, opened the scoring for Portugal against Israel with a searing 37th-minute drive.

Bolton's Ricardo Vaz Te doubled the advantage with a header on the stroke of half-time before two goals in three minutes from Miguel Veloso (49) and Manchester United's new arrival Nani (52) sealed the 4-0 win, but it was not enough to avoid an early exit.

Teamtalk

Holland Vs Belgium Under-21 Highlights

http://footballocks.net/index.php/274/holl...-21-highlights/

Hope Italy will win tonight,and Serbia can beat England,Group B is very unpredictable,i tot Italy and England will reach seni,but Serbia make a good move here

England in semis after fiery clash

England Under-21s reached the semi-finals of the European Championships but their 2-0 victory over Serbia was scarred by racism and violence.

Leroy Lita had headed Stuart Pearce's youngsters ahead early on before UEFA officials were forced into an impromptu anti-racism announcement after Serbia fans abused Nedum Onuoha.

Matt Derbyshire added a second goal 13 minutes from full-time in Nijmegen but there was a Serbia player down injured at the time, sparking a mass brawl which involved most of the players.

Tom Huddlestone was then sent off for dissent in the final minute.

UEFA will wait until the match delegate hands in his report, by which time England will be preparing for next week's semi-final.

They are now within sight of winning England's first youth trophy since Sol Campbell and Gary Neville were among the under-18s to win back in 1993.

Standing in their way of the final are holders and hosts Holland, who they defeated in a friendly last November in Alkmaar. That win is part of an unbeaten stretch since 2005 that now stands at 12 games.

Pearce featured in two semi-finals as a player and now has his first as a coach, and he appears to have forced himself into contention if the role goes full-time after the tournament.

He has dealt with withdrawals and players not answering their phone - this fractious clash adds to a colourful and brief spell so far.

His line-up suggested he was throwing caution to the wind to secure the victory which guaranteed a last-four place, with his only change being Kieran Richardson coming in for suspended Ashley Young.

The 4-4-2 formation which served them well against Italy was used again, this time against a Serbia team with one eye on their semi-final against Belgium, although their players appeared to have something to prove.

Only two players - Stefan Babovic and Zoran Tosic - were kept from the team that defeated Czech Republic. Bosko Jankovic, the highly-rated Real Mallorca midfielder, was rested.

Pearce had banked on Italy winning, meaning they had to take three points themselves, with Lita's early strike calming initial nerves.

The Reading striker won a free-kick after five minutes when he was man-handled by Nikola Petkovic. Steven Taylor nodded James Milner's set-piece across the face of the goal and Lita swooped to head home.

It was his fifth goal in eight under-21 games and sparked his usual wild celebrations, marking a fine turnaround after missing a penalty and an open goal earlier in the tournament.

Despite Serbia claiming a penalty when Taylor challenged Zoran Tosic, England looked for a second and skipper Nigel Reo-Coker flicked over the bar from another free-kick.

Serbia tried long-range efforts and Scott Carson, setting a new record of 28 for England Under-21 caps, was kept alert as Serbia plotted another scalp to add to Italy.

Tosic was brought down by Reo-Coker but received a yellow card himself for telling the referee England's skipper should be cautioned. A booking would have ruled the West Ham midfielder out of the semi-finals.

UEFA officials were then forced to give their anti-racism announcement over the public address system after chants were heard.

Onuoha, helped by team-mates who rallied around him at the break, maintained his concentration and completed a tidy performance despite the ugly scenes.

He and his fellow defenders were forced to work, though.

Petkovic hit a free-kick straight at Carson, while Lita survived another penalty claim when Gojko Kacar was challenged.

Carson then saved from a Predrag Pavlovic drive and punched from under his crossbar from a corner by Nikola Drincic. Kacar then headed over from close range after meeting a corner.

After the break, Milner's slip almost let Serbia in but Carson saved with his feet when Djordje Ivelja raced through. He also had to save from Pavlovic's volley.

Despite the threat of an equaliser, England remained with two strikers, looking for a goal on the counter attack.

Lita's overhead kick from Milner's cross almost provided a second goal but goalkeeper Aleksandar Kesic palmed away for a corner.

Lita was taken off for the last 20 minutes, with Derbyshire coming on and adding the second after Richardson lobbed the ball through to him, but the England celebrations sparked the mass brawl.

Huddlestone was brought on but received his marching orders, and there was still time for Leighton Baines to clear off the line in stoppage-time.

Teamtalk

Pearce praises Onuoha restraint

Manager Stuart Pearce praised the restraint of Nedum Onuoha after racism overshadowed England's victory over Serbia Under-21s.

UEFA were forced to make an impromptu anti-racism announcment after Onuoha was racially abused by Serbia fans in the first half, then Justin Hoyte was later abused in the tunnel.

England's players rallied around Manchester City defender Onuoha at half-time, but more trouble was ignited on the pitch when Matt Derbyshire completed the 2-0 victory by scoring while a Serbia player was injured.

"He's an outstanding young man, not just as a footballer," said Pearce, who coached Onuoha at City.

"I've got that first hand knowledge of him and he comes from a great family. He's a credit to the English nation."

"He's such a strong character, that's the case with most of our players. I told them that is what is going to happen at international level.

"It's difficult to keep restaint under provocation. You've got to learn that in football."

England needed a win to reach the last four, and Leroy Lita headed them into a fifth-minute lead before the trouble started.

Serbia, fielding a second string as they were already in the semi-finals, created chances but Derbyshire completed victory with 13 minutes remaining, sparking a mass brawl as Filip Rydel was down with an ankle injury.

Pearce continued: "Matt's probably one of the most genuine people I've met, he probably would have kicked the ball out if he saw him." There was still time for Tom Huddestone to receive a red card for dissent almost immediately after coming on as a substitute.

"I said you must learn by that. It's wrong what he has done," said Pearce.

He added: "We're delighted to be in the semi-final. The positives are we are still undefeated."

UEFA will wait for their delegate to produce a match report before action is considered.

Pearce added: "One individual manager sat here won't make a difference.

"It's the powers that be. They were at the game, they saw what went on and will take action if needs be."

Serbian coach Miroslav Djukic was upset at England players carrying on as his player waited for treatment, adding: "It was a normal reaction, it was unfair from England players, who are meant to be gentlemen. Tonight they were not gentlemen.

"Everything started form the second goal when they did not have respect for a player who was on the floor."

He added: "Racism is definitely a bad thing, I did not see or hear what was happening as I was concentrating on the game.

"In my career I played against players form all nations and these things are bad but I also have never seen a player who is hurt and carry on to score a goal."

James Milner, named man of the match, added: "It was a job well done. We rallied and put in a good performance.

"Their player took the goal-kick after he had gone down. I don't know if it was cramp. I don't think the lads knew anything."

Teamtalk

italy and portugal out

I'm very please for 'psycho' and his young bunch of lads. His enthusiasm for the game seems to have rubbed off on his players. I've always enjoyed watching City play because I think he's an adventurous manager. He just lacked players with the cutting edge at the club. The fact that England has reached the semi finals of the tournament goes to show that they do have a bright future. Some of England's play has been exquisite unlike their more senior counterparts. Perhaps some of them are ready for the big boys?

Semi Final schedule
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Holland vs England
Serbia vs Belgium

I see more passion and enthusiasm in the junior squad compared to the seniors..maybe bcuz they are still young and they wanna prove that they can fit the billing next time around and push for a 1st 11 in the near future..

agree with you,they play more agresif and fast,many scout of big club in Holland now,some good player in this tournament will transfer to big club next season

Yeah ur favorite team out

UEFA set to probe racist incident

UEFA are almost certain to investigate the incidents of racist chanting that marred England Under-21s victory over Serbia on Sunday night.

Nedum Onuoha was racially abused by Serbia fans during the first half of the 2-0 win in Nijmegen at the European Championships.

UEFA were forced to make an impromptu anti-racism announcment at Goffert Stadion after the abuse aimed at Onuoha.

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told BBC Radio Five Live: "We will be receiving the match delegate's report and as soon as we have it, or if also we have some independent reports telling us something happened, we will (investigate).

"We always do carry out an investigation whenever there is an incident because we want things to be clear.

"We have a policy of zero tolerance for racism so any incident of racism is completely unacceptable.

"We will, in the next few days, look into the matter and as soon as we have some evidence we will react and the disciplinary body will be given the evidence."

The match also ended in controversy with a brawl breaking out after Matt Derbyshire doubled England's lead late on while Slobodan Rajkovic was down injured.

With victory putting England into the semi-finals, emotions spilled over and there were reports of further incidents in the tunnel after the game.

Tom Huddlestone was also sent off for foul and abusive language almost immediately after coming on as a substitute.

Teamtalk

Match Highlights from England Vs Serbia

http://footballocks.net/index.php/283/enga...-21-highlights/

Match Highlights between Italy Vs Czech

http://footballocks.net/index.php/282/ital...-21-highlights/

Huddlestone hit by two-match ban

Tom Huddlestone has been given a two-match ban following his red card in Sunday's European Under-21 Championship victory over Serbia.

It means the Tottenham player will miss Wednesday's semi-final against Holland and, should Stuart Pearce's team win that match, the final.

Huddlestone received a red card for dissent almost immediately after coming on as a substitute in the bad-tempered 2-0 win in Nijmegen which sealed England's place in the last four.

UEFA confirmed the 20-year-old received the two-match ban for his foul and abusive language to a linesman in a match which was marred by fans chanting at England defender Nedum Onuoha.

The FA have also complained to UEFA about racist abuse from Serbia players during the game.

UEFA were forced to make an impromptu anti-racism announcement while play was still going on in to stop the chanting at Manchester City defender Onuoha.

The trouble continued on the pitch and Serbia players were furious when Matt Derbyshire scored England's second goal while one of their players was down injured, sparking a mass brawl which carried on in the tunnel after the final whistle.

Teamtalk

ha.. ha ma favorite team is Spain la,out early in play-off,lost to Italy

Onuoha blasts 'horrific' chants[/COLOR]

Nedum Onuoha will not to let "horrific" racist chants get the better of England Under-21s' bid for European Championship glory in Holland.

Onuoha was targeted by Serbia fans during England's win in Nijmegen which sealed a place in the semi-finals and the Football Association have also complained to UEFA about racism from their opponents.

"It was horrific, a bad moment, and it's not the first time it's happened in my career," said the 20-year-old. "Hopefully in a few years it will have stopped."

Players such as Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o have threatened to leave the pitch in the face of racist abuse, but Onuoha admits that would signal victory to the perpetrators.

"I didn't really know what I was supposed to do and walking off the pitch was probably the last thing because we were winning at the time," he added. "Even if something like that happens, I'd rather stay on for the team and get the result.

"People were talking about banning Serbia from the tournament but they got to the semi-final fair and square.

"I couldn't possibly say what UEFA should do, but sometimes if you send out a massive gesture it causes even more problems. Hopefully UEFA will deal with it in the right way."

The ugly scenes ruined the night for Onuoha's mother - who does not miss one of her son's games - and relatives who had travelled to watch the Group B clash.

"She was upset because she came over with my aunt and little cousin from America," he added. "I think it was the first time they've watched me and it was a sad moment to see stuff like that happening."

Even at under-21 level there have been recent cases of racism. Germany Under-21 striker Aaron Hunt was accused of abusing England players during the qualifying play-off in Leverkusen but eventually had a charge overturned by UEFA.

That incident, however, and the trouble against Serbia has served to unite the England team.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson said: "It wasn't just aimed at the black players in our team, it was aimed at all our team because we're all together in this tournament. We all stuck together and got through it."

The team have been together for two qualifying campaigns under Peter Taylor before Stuart Pearce took over for these finals and the club atmosphere they have created has been helped by teams being determined to claim England as a scalp.

"I don't think England are everyone's favourite nation, so we've had to stay close together and maybe that'll help us for the Holland game," said Onuoha.

A second-string Serbia had already qualified for the semi-finals but were fired up for the clash with England.

After UEFA officials were forced to make an announcement to stop the chanting aimed at Onuoha, the trouble continued on the pitch with a mass brawl after Matt Derbyshire scored while a Serbia player was down injured.

"If you want to play fair then don't make those racist chants," said striker Leroy Lita, who scored the first goal in the 2-0 win.

Players confronted each other in the tunnel and Justin Hoyte was allegedly abused by a Serbia player.

"Justin is a quiet lad and I've never seen him like that," Lita added.

Tom Huddlestone, who was sent off with a minute to go, has been given a two-game ban and will miss the final if England beat Holland in the semis on Wednesday.

With England in the hunt for silverware, Onuoha hopes supporters will make the trip over.

He added: "Fingers crossed some more England fans will come over as we don't want a completely orange stadium."

Teamtalk

3/4 place macth is one day after semi final
really tired,team who lose at semi must play 2 games in two day
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/f...ults/index.html

Well considering the costs incurred each day the tournament is extended, you can understand why.

i make 3/4 game so boring bcos all player are tired,image if they play for 120 minute in semi

England can go all the way!!!

but it`s so hard,Holland have advantage as a host then Holland favorite team to win this cup

Yeah the Oranje thru to final.....hope that Maduro or Vlaar can score in teh final............err against Serbia(where all the gud team go)????

UEFA draw make good team out early,Italy vs Spain then England vs Germany in qualify,this draw make only two big team will go to final tournament

Match highlights between England Vs Holland

http://footballocks.net/index.php/290/engl...-21-highlights/

unbelievable macth,this is first time i see penalty shoot out like this,27 times ball find net in one macth

Thats unbelievable...

Italy vs Portugal today
winner will go to Beijing`08

Sos

England pay the penalty in semi



Serbs sink Belgians to reach final

the penalty shootout between Italy Vs Portugal

http://footballocks.net/index.php/294/port...-21-highlights/

Italy U21s snatch Olympic spot

Italy Under-21s sealed a place at the Olympics in Beijing next year after beating Portugal 4-3 on penalties at De Goffert Stadion in Nijmegen.

Both sides failed to reach the semi-finals of the European Championships in Holland but an extra place in China was up for grabs as England had qualified for the last four.

After the teams could not be separated, Manuel Fernandes and Antunes failed to convert their spot-kicks, with Italy scoring four from four attempts.

There was less drama during the 120 minutes of open play.

Giuseppe Rossi fired an early chance over the crossbar when he was found at the near post, before going on a mazy run which Giampaolo Pazzini failed to finish off.

The Manchester United forward was dismissed in the 75th minute for picking up two bookings, the second for dissent after giving away a foul.

Portugal had glorious chances to snatch victory in extra-time but Joao Moutinho had a header deflected wide and Yannick Djalo fired over the crossbar with just the goalkeeper to beat, sending the match to penalties.

Teamtalk

Taylor: Gabby and Bentley messed up

Steven Taylor reckons Gabriel Agbonlahor and David Bentley will be "kicking themselves" after watching the England Under-21s shine in Holland.

Agbonlahor could not be contacted to confirm his call-up while Bentley pulled out to leave Stuart Pearce a man down for the tournament in Holland - but England still came within a minute of reaching the European Championship final.

Bentley cited fatigue as his reason for staying home while Taylor's pride in representing his country meant he refused to leave his team a player short against Holland despite suffering an ankle ligament injury.

The 21-year-old could barely walk but England had used their substitutes and Nedum Onuoha's injury left them down to 10 men, so Taylor carried on.

"There was a lot of pain," he said. "The main thing in my head was that this was the semi-finals of European Championships, there's no way on earth I would walk off that pitch leaving 10 men.

"No chance of that happening. We had used all our subs up. I had to play."

Taylor then became a central figure in the crazy penalty shoot-out, with Holland coach Foppe De Haan storming onto the pitch to tell the referee the limping defender had to take a spot-kick.

"As I walked off, their manager came up to me, shouting to me 'coward' and 'cheat'," Taylor said. "I couldn't believe he called me that.

"I went up and took the penalty, grabbed the ball straight away, and got on with it. There was no better feeling than sticking it in back of net.

"I wish Holland all the best, good luck to them, but there's no way he's going to call me a cheat or a coward. It's not in my character."

Taylor's emotional celebration turned to heartache when Holland eventually won 13-12, but his efforts were acknowledged by senior boss Steve McClaren in the dressing room.

And reward for his show of character is likely to be the Under-21 captaincy if he is not involved in McClaren's full squad.

"After I had the drugs test after the game, he [McClaren] came in afterwards and was really encouraging," said Taylor. "The Under-21s is a great honour, but to play in the senior side would be the icing on the cake, a dream come true."

The epic shoot-out capped an eventful tournament. England started with questions over whether it was worthwhile travelling to Holland but ended up with high praise from McClaren.

"You could see the rest of the lads worked so hard, and stuck together," said Taylor, who is likely to be out for a month now.

"The players who didn't come are probably kicking themselves now, wishing they were involved because we were so close to getting to the final.

"They had their own reasons, it's up to them. But I don't think there's any bigger honour than representing your country. I don't care if it's a friendly game, but especially the European Championship.

"It's the biggest stage, you are playing for England, and you have to express yourself."

Teamtalk

Jong Oranje clinch European crown

Netherlands......4
Bakkal 17 , Babel 60 , Rigters 67 , Bruins 87

Serbia.............1
Mrdja 79

'Foppe'
Cries of "Foppe de Haan" rang round the Euroborg after goals from Otman Bakkal, Ryan Babel, Maceo Rigters and Luigi Bruins ensured victory, though an entertaining game was only made safe after Aleksandar Kolarov had been dismissed for a second bookable offence two minutes past the hour. The scoreline was tough on Serbia, who impressed throughout the competition less than a year after being granted full UEFA membership. But this was the Netherlands' night, and in particular that of De Haan. Before he was appointed coach in 2004 the Netherlands had never won a UEFA competition at youth or U21 level. Now winning has become a habit.

Sense of occasion
After a fortnight of heavy rain, the fiercest downpour was fittingly saved for the final and the ball skimmed quickly off the surface as lightning flashed overhead. A sizeable and vocal Serbian contingent for once gave the home support some competition and the match a sense of occasion an enjoyable tournament merited. The irrepressible Royston Drenthe was soon into the thick of the action. On nine minutes he was booked for a late challenge on Antonio Rukavina, then turned Rigters' cross over the bar. The Netherlands were beginning to edge possession and they went ahead on 17 minutes. Daniël de Ridder, the sole survivor from the side that beat Ukraine in the final last year when he was a substitute, scooped a high ball into Bakkal who held off Rukavina to shoot beyond Damir Kahriman.

Netherlands control
Serbia hit back with Du an Basta and Bo ko Janković creating chances from both wings, but the Netherlands had the clearer openings. On 22 minutes Bakkal wriggled free and crossed to De Ridder who shot over with the goal gaping. FC Groningen defender Arnold Kruiswijk, at his home ground, made light of the absence of injured captain Ron Vlaar as the Netherlands approached half-time in command. Their good work, though, was nearly undone on 35 minutes when Boy Waterman came for and missed Kolarov's right-wing free-kick. Dutch anxiety gave way to relief as the ball bounced back off the post to safety.

Serbia press
Seconds after the restart Waterman made amends. Basta pounced on hesitancy from Erik Pieters and released a quick shot that the sprawling goalkeeper palmed away. Serbia had stepped up a gear and suddenly the Netherlands did not look so assured. De Haan was quickly off the bench, umbrella in hand, to voice his displeasure and his anger rose soon after when De Ridder's loose pass let in Kolarov. He pulled the ball back for Janković who could only shoot tamely at Waterman. Serbia were made to pay for that miss on the hour, De Ridder crossing low into the centre where Babel swept into the net, and their problems were compounded two minutes later when Kolorav was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Babel.

Rigters relish
Worse was to come, Rigters rounding Kahriman to score his fourth goal of the competition on 67 minutes. It equalled Klaas Jan Huntelaar's mark last year and ensured he finished as the tournament's leading scorer. Kahriman restored some pride for Serbia when he kept out Babel's 71st-minute penalty and Dragan Mrdja raised spirits further when he headed in with eleven minutes to play. It was nowhere near enough to temper Dutch delight, however, which increased still further when substitute Bruins added the fourth late on.

Hosts Holland retain Under-21 title

Maceo Rigters won the golden boot as Holland Under-21s retained their European Championship crown by crushing 10-man Serbia 4-1 in Groningen.

Rigters scored his fourth goal of the tournament hosted by the Dutch but the damage had already been inflicted by Otman Bakkal and Ryan Babel before the NAC Breda forward edged ahead of Leroy Lita in the goalscoring charts.

After Rigters slotted in his goal, Aleksandar Kolarov was dismissed, Babel had a penalty saved and Dragan Mrdja pulled one back in a one-sided final which meant back-to-back titles for Foppe De Haan's youngsters. Substitute Luigi Bruins completed the scoring with a late tap-in.

Referee Damir Skomina was told to halt the final if there was a repeat of the racist chants that marred Serbia's clash with England earlier in the tournament. Although flares were lit just after the interval, play at Euroborg Stadion went on uninterrupted.

Skomina was kept busy early on with matters on the pitch as tackles flew in on the slick surface, with Roysten Drenthe given a ninth-minute yellow card for clipping Antonio Rukavina.

Drenthe, Holland's player of the tournament, missed a chance at the far post in the opening stages, but Jong Oranje were ahead in the 17th minute.

Daniel De Ridder dribbled in from the right flank and flicked the ball over the Serbia defence, with Bakkal holding off Rukavina and stabbing home.

Bakkal had a chance to double his tally but had an effort saved, while De Ridder sliced a glorious opportunity over when he was found at the far post.

Despite looking good value for their lead, the hosts were given a huge let-off nine minutes from the break when goalkeeper Boy Waterman totally mis-judged a tame free-kick from Kolarov, with the ball rebounding off the upright.

Waterman also missed a corner but Dusko Tosic could not direct his header in.

The Holland goalkeeper made saves after the interval from Dusan Basta and Bosko Jankovic, yet Babel doubled the lead on the hour mark. Serbia failed to clear De Ridder's low cross from the right and Babel steered the ball.

It got worse for Serbia as Kolarov was dismissed for two bookings, the second for sliding in on Babel just after he scored.

Babel set up Rigters to round Damir Kahriman in the 67th minute and finish for his goal, but Kahriman then clawed away Babel's spot-kick.

Mrdja's consolation came from a near-post header with 11 minutes remaining, and Bruins tapped in to complete the scoring.

Teamtalk

season over
should close dis topic

Match highlights from the fianl between Holland Vs Serbia

http://footballocks.net/index.php/306/holl...-21-highlights/