Spain sweep Austria aside

Spain moved into the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in style by beating Austria 5-2 in today's semi-final in Mangualde with forward David plundering four goals to move to the top of the tournament's goalscoring charts.

Attacking powers
Before this afternoon's game the Austrians had conceded just one goal in the tournament, but deprived of defenders Andreas Dober and Andreas Schicker through suspension they fell prey to Spain's formidable attacking powers before mounting a stirring second-half comeback.

David comes in
Franz Schiemer and Christian Balga came into the Austrian side along with Daniel Horvath, a goalscoring substitute against the Danes, who was recalled in place of Helmut König. Meanwhile, Spain left forward Xisco, scorer of two goals in three Group B games, on the bench, with David replacing him. Additionally Roberto replaced Adán in goal and Sisinio made way for Silva in midfield. Both outfield changes by coach Juan Santisteban proved to be inspired.

Opening goal
The game began at a frantic pace, with Spain hustling and closing down their physically bigger opponents from the outset. Before the Austrians even had a chance to settle they fell behind after just four minutes. Silva dashed down the Spanish right and the midfield player's deep cross was met by the rising David whose header flew past Robert Olejnik.

Advantage increased
The buoyant Spaniards doubled their advantage on 12 minutes when Silva again picked out David with a low pass and the forward swept the ball into the net. Three minutes later Austria reshuffled their side with Balga making way for Sandro Samwald.

Cases drifts through
Almost immediately after Ernst Weber's side went 3-0 down after Cases drifted through huge gaps in the Austrian defence, dashed into the right-hand side of the penalty area and then finished well from an acute angle to register his third goal of the tournament.

Game over
As a contest the game was now effectively over. To their credit Austria never gave up or stopped working despite facing an overwhelming deficit but it was Spain who continued to threaten. In the 32nd minute Cases fed David, who did well after his initial cross was blocked to pick out Silva, whose shot rapped the bottom of the post.

David completes hat-trick
Cases and Jurado forced excellent saves out of Olejnik as Austria tried to hang on for some half-time respite however David struck three minutes before the interval to complete his hat-trick and send his side in 4-0 ahead.

Beyond doubt
In the second half Austria rallied, with Christian Fuchs pulling a goal back on 59 minutes after good work from substitute Marko Stankovic, who himself raised brief hopes of an audacious comeback by reducing the arrears to 4-2 in the 62nd minute after Spain failed to clear a free-kick.

Volley removes doubt
However David volleyed his fourth goal of the match, and fifth of the tournament, in the 68th minute to put the result beyond any doubt and also ensure his country a place in this summer's FIFA Under-17 World Championship in Finland. Late on Spain could even have added further goals but Cases and Silva both missed good opportunities.