Spain deny Armenia consolation
Tuesday 27 May 2008
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Fran Mérida scored two late goals to ensure a Spain win (©sportsfile)
Spain ended UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying with a perfect record after a comeback victory against Elite round Group 7 hosts Armenia today.
Armenia ahead
Having already won all three of their qualifying round matches in the autumn, Spain defeated Ukraine 3-1 and Turkey 3-0 in Armenia to confirm their place in July's finals in the Czech Republic as they seek to become the first nation to win the title for a third year in succession. Armenia, without a point, already knew they would finish bottom but seemed on course for a shock win today when Voskanyan put them ahead on 20 minutes and Norayr Gyozalyan doubled the lead just before the first half entered injury time.
Comeback
But two minutes into that additional period Iván Bolado pulled one back and Artak Antonyan put through an own goal early in the second half to equalise. Then in the last six minutes Arsenal FC playmaker Fran Mérida struck twice to seal Spain's win and keep them three points ahead of Ukraine, who beat Turkey 3-0 for second place. Spain go into the draw on Sunday along with the hosts, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany and three teams to be decided, while the tournament runs from 14-26 July.
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