Pedraza leads Spanish stroll

Pedraza scored a hat-trick in a 15-minute spell as Spain secured second place in Group B with a 4-1 victory against Northern Ireland in St-Cyr-sur-Loire, earning a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in the process.

English encounter
The RCD Espanyol striker found the net in a devastating period either side of half-time, with Diego scoring the other goal six minutes past the hour. The result enabled Spain to claim runners-up spot in the section and earn a last-four meeting with Group A winners England in Tours on Wednesday evening.

Instant pressure
Spain were quickly into their stride at the Stade Guy Drut, and created two early chances. First striker Javier missed an open goal from right in front of the posts, failing to connect properly with his right foot with goalkeeper Trevor Carson nowhere. Moments later, Marcos shot over the crossbar with only Carson to beat.

Marcos denied
The same player came closer to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute, but saw his well-struck effort from the left-hand side of the penalty area rebound off the crossbar.

Pedraza strikes
Two minutes later it was 1-0, Pedraza scoring his first of the match as Spain counterattacked swiftly and Javier's pass left his strike partner with a simple finish.

Headed second
Pedraza headed his and Spain's second goal of the game four minutes before half-time, meeting Marcos' left-wing cross with a powerful header from close to the penalty spot to round off a move that had been started by Carmona.

Conclusive finish
Northern Ireland had their first chance of the game on the stroke of half-time but Michael O'Connor could only direct his effort straight at Adán. A minute after the restart, Pedraza completed his hat-trick, finishing another fine Spanish move with a confident strike from inside the penalty area.

Spanish dominance
Spain continued to press in search of further goals and Marcos' excellent header forced Carson to produce a stunning reaction stop to tip the ball away for a corner. A minute later, Pedraza might have scored his and Spain's fourth but was unable to convert Carmona's cross.

Great goal
Northern Ireland then enjoyed a spell of pressure of their own, with O'Connor forcing another good save from Adán before an excellent goal in the 49th minute. A good passing move worked a shooting chance for Matthew Doherty, and the midfield player volleyed in a right-wing cross to reduce the arrears.

Diego delight
Ryan Catney almost brought the Northern Irish back into the game six minutes later, but his near-identical attempt hit the crossbar with Adán helpless. Instead it was Spain who scored again, Diego beating two defenders to race clear before rounding Carson and tapping in.

Jonathan misses
Spain had late chances to make the final scoreline even more emphatic, with substitute Jonathan striking another shot against the bar a minute from time. He also had another chance in the very last minute only to fail from close range with only Carson to beat, but Spain had already done enough.