Serbia rue luck as Turkey top group

Serbia failed to break down a resolute Turkey side and were made to pay as the Netherlands pipped them to second spot to reach the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals alongside Şenol Ustaömer's hosts.

Turkey changes
The Turkey coach, whose team only had to avoid a six-goal defeat, had said before the game: "I am going to put some fresh players in against Serbia. I will give others a chance." He was true to his word with five different players in the starting lineup from their 1-0 win against Scotland; Serbia came close to taking advantage but the draw was not enough for them as the Netherlands beat Scotland 2-0.

Luckless Aleksić
Serbia, given today's task after losing 1-0 to the Netherlands on Wednesday, came desperately close at the World of Wonders Football Centre with the post thwarting them on more than one occasion. Their hero of the opening match, Danijel Aleksić, was the first to be denied by the woodwork when he controlled right-back Barış Yardımcı's errant pass to his goalkeeper and fired at goal just four minutes in.

Čaković saves
Both teams then found it difficult to create in attacking areas but Turkey's first notable effort came after Muhammet Demir's free-kick was well tipped away by goalkeeper Vilson Čaković on 20 minutes. Serbia pressed forwards again with Goran Brkić going close from Aleksić's cross from just outside the area. Then Sefer Sever dribbled into a good position from the left to forge an opportunity but none of his team-mates could provide the final touch to break the deadlock before custodian Čaković repelled another effort from the same player.

Late drama
Ustaömer put Batuhan Karadeniz on for Öztürk Karataş after half-time and Eren Albayrak replaced Muhammet but it was Aleksić who again looked more likely to score when his brilliant free-kick struck the post again. The Netherlands were now beating Scotland 2-0 and Serbia continued to dominate the game and forced Turkey to play on the counterattack, with Adem Ljajić's shot from the angle saved by Metin Uçar. Substitute Soner Aydoğdu brought a late save from the Serbian goalkeeper and Metin made another superb stop at the death to give Turkey their point and top spot in Group A. They now meet France in the last four on Tuesday.