Sweden stun England as Italy and Spain win
Friday, May 6, 2016
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Sweden forward Joel Asoro was the scourge of England on a day when holders France drew 0-0 with Denmark and the Group D openers resulted in victories for Italy and Spain.
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Group C
England 1-2 Sweden
Two goals from Joel Asoro condemned England to their first defeat in this season's competition. Direct and extremely quick, Asoro terrorised the England defence. The Sunderland forward raced through to prod Sweden ahead early on and within two minutes threatened again, this time pulling his shot wide. Asoro was up front on his own for large spells of a second half England dominated. He struck again, however, after being found by Nebiyou Perry. England's riposte was swift, but, despite penning the Blågult back for long periods, they only had Reiss Nelson's close-range finish to show for their endeavours.
France 0-0 Denmark
Both sides hit the woodwork in a goalless affair at Dalga Stadium. Midway through the first half, Victor Torp delivered a free-kick on to the head of Jonas Wind, who forced a fine save out of France's Gaëtan Poussin. Denmark enjoyed their best spell at the beginning of the second period, Carlo Holse clipping the far post having sped down the right. Holders France took charge again, though, Hakim El Mokkedem seeing his lob from the edge of the area rattle the crossbar with 14 minutes remaining.
Group D
Italy 2-1 Serbia
The impressive Moise Kean inspired Italy to victory at Qarabağ Stadium, home of the Azerbaijani champions. The Juventus forward headed Alessandro Tripaldelli's left-wing delivery back across goal for Gianluca Scamacca to score via the underside of the bar. Sixty seconds later, Djordje Jovanović, with a clear run on goal, dragged his shot against the far post. It was a miss that was punished when Kean, played in by Scamacca, made no mistake in a similar situation just after the half-hour mark. Serbia improved after the restart, their only reward being Igor Maksimović’s late strike.
Netherlands 0-2 Spain
The Dutch had no answer to goals from the skilful Jordi Mboula and Abel Ruiz. Both teams produced some flowing football in the first half, which ended with Santi Denia's side a goal to the good thanks to Mboula's powerful shot inside the far post. Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, had an effort blocked by Spain keeper Ignacio Peña three minutes into the second period. La Roja soon doubled their advantage, Ruiz scoring after Brahim Díaz's attempt was saved by Mike van De Meulenhof.