Hosts race into semi-finals

Three goals in ten second-half minutes was the key as UEFA European Under-17 Championship hosts Belgium made it into the semi-finals by seeing off a brave challenge by Iceland with a 5-1 win.

Spain showdown
Out of the running to progress from Group B, Iceland battled hard and swiftly cancelled out an early Belgium goal. But with a strong wind behind them after the break, Belgium raced clear after efforts from Nils De Pauw, Christian Benteke and Niels Ringoot before opening goalscorer Kevin Kis finished the job with a penalty to set up a showdown with Spain on Thursday.

Belgium ahead
Belgium, who had drawn their opening matches with the Netherlands and England, had a chance within 90 seconds as Ringoot volleyed on to the crossbar. Iceland competed well in the difficult conditions but on 15 minutes were behind. Kis, starting after making a big impact as a substitute against England, had his initial shot well saved by Iceland goalkeeper Arnar Darri Pétursson, but François was first to the rebound and cut it back for the left-winger to pass into an empty net.

Iceland level
Five minutes later, though, Iceland claimed their first goal of the campaign - and it was their hero in qualifying, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson, who latched on to a wind-assisted Finnur Margeirsson ball before shooting past Jo Coppens. The custodian was then forced to save from Sigthórsson as Belgium struggled with the wind in their faces. But favoured by the gusts after the break Belgium pressed and seven minutes into the half, a high François cross fell to De Pauw, who bustled past a defender and beat Pétursson. In the 55th minute Benteke broke clear and finished with aplomb and soon after the points were effectively secure when Ringoot bundled in an Eden Hazard corner.

Kis converts
Belgium then moved 5-1 ahead 13 minutes from time after Eggert Rafn Einarsson fouled Benteke in the box and Kis converted the resulting penalty. There was still time for Kerem Zevne to hit the crossbar, but the hosts had done enough with England's 4-2 win against the Netherlands confirming that Belgium had pipped the Dutch to earn their first semi-final in a UEFA youth competition