Serbia secure semi-final spot

Serbia advanced to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-finals as Group B winners after Danijel Aleksić's first-half strike earned his team victory against Turkey in Mariupol.

Unbeaten run
The victory capped an undefeated group campaign for Aleksandar Stanojević's team who drew their opening game with France, the other qualifiers from their section, and beat Spain 2-1. Turkey responded positively following Aleksić's 17th-minute goal, but could not force an equaliser – let alone the victory they needed to progress – and ended the game with ten men after the dismissal of Rıdvan Şimşek midway through the second half.

Opening goal
Just as they had done in their previous encounter with France, Turkey began strongly and created an opportunity within the opening two minutes when Rıdvan lifted the ball in for Onur Ayık, who shot harmlessly wide when well placed. Özgür Çek then had an effort from distance saved by Aleksandar Kirovski. However, Serbia took the lead in the 17th minute when Aleksić struck his second goal of the tournament. Nemanja Milić found space on the left before setting up Adem Ljajić who, in turn, spread a pass to his right where Aleksić was on hand to send his strike in off the upright.

Flowing game
Turkey continued to probe as the half progressed and were unlucky not to equalise just before the half-hour when Rıdvan's curling effort bounced off the crossbar. Ogün Temizkanoglu's men were then left feeling relieved after an unmarked Aleksić headed straight at Ergün Emirhan after connecting with Uroš Matić's free-kick from the right. Turkey suffered another blow not long afterwards when Serdar Aziz was carried off with an injury to his left knee. The game continued to flow from end to end after the break yet opportunities were at a premium until Ljajić found space to send a shot narrowly wide in the 61st minute.

Saving grace
The bottom side in Group B prior to kick-off, Turkey knew they had to go in search of goals and, despite the sending off of Rıdvan for a second bookable offence in the 68th minute, pressed hard in their attempts to find the equaliser. It almost came their way with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Sercan Yıldırım squirmed free and fired in a close-range shot which Kirovski did superbly well to tip over. Kirovski was then on had to tip Sinan Osmanoğlu's drive past the upright, while at the other end Ljajić could have finished things off when he burst free with seconds remaining only to be thwarted by Ergün.