Portugal hit back to hold Spain

UEFA European Under-19 Championship holders Spain moved a step closer to qualifying for the semi-finals from Group A after drawing with Portugal who kept their hopes alive by fighting back for a point.

Spain held
Spain, who now have four points from two games, looked as though they would follow-up their 2-0 victory against Austria with another win after Aarón Ñíguez scored his second goal of the tournament early in the second half from the penalty spot. However, Daniel Carriço's equaliser earned Portugal their first point of the finals to keep them in contention.

Portugal changes
Spain named an unchanged lineup while Portugal coach Edgar Borges made two alterations to the team defeated 1-0 by Greece, Fábio Paím and Orlando Sà making way for André Monteiro and Ivan Santos on either wing. Portugal's João Martins and Spain's Pablo Gil were cautioned for heavy tackles early on as the fixture at the tiny Vorwärts Stadium proved as competitive as usual between the nations.

Spain domination
Both sides matched each other with committed tackles in the first half but in terms of creative play Spain dominated the opening 45 minutes, keeping their opponents camped in their own half for long periods. Ángel Montoro fired over their first chance before Javier Martínez, wearing the Spanish armband, curled a shot against the crossbar with eight minutes played.

Aarón penalty
Despite having more of the possession, Spain were unable to really test Hugo Ventura, although the Portugal goalkeeper had to react smartly to stop Javier Modrego's toe-poke before Aarón's effort was ruled out for handball. A rare foray forward by Portugal midway through the half saw Daniel Candeias send a fizzing drive straight at Felipe Ramos. The pattern of the game resumed after the break but this time Spain made the breakthrough. Eight minutes into the second half Aarón was brought down in the penalty area by Martins, and stepped up to roll in the spot-kick himself.

Headed equaliser
The goal seemed to spark Portugal into life and they almost replied straight away as Monteiro's low drive was saved by Ramos before Carriço glanced a header wide from a corner. The Sporting Clube de Portugal defender made no mistake on 71 minutes, however, directing Santos' corner into the top corner. The lively Aarón might have put Spain back in front shortly afterwards but Ventura was equal to the Valencia CF forward's effort as they had to settle for a point.