Pocognoli seals Belgium progress

Sébastien Pocognoli's 70th-minute strike ensured Belgium joined the Netherlands in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals after an entertaining draw between the Low Countries rivals.

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.