Porter proves enough for England

By Andrew Haslam at the Stade Jean Leroi

A Levi Porter goal early in the second half earned England a third consecutive victory at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals, first place in Group B and a semi-final against Spain.

Austrian disappointment
The Leicester City FC player struck 14 minutes into the second half to give his side three points. Austria, who came into the match knowing that a draw would be enough for a semi-final place, dropped to third in the section after Portugal's 4-0 victory against Ukraine. England take on Spain in Tours on Wednesday in the last four.

Seven changes
Having assured their qualification with a 3-1 win against holders Portugal in Tours, England coach John Peacock elected to reshuffle his team, with only Billy Jones, Shane Paul, Kyel Reid and Nathan Doyle remaining of the starting lineup from Thursday's game.

English pressure
Despite the unfamiliar-looking side, England took control of the match from the first whistle and pressed Austria back inside their own half. Peacock's side won four corners in the first few minutes with Kyel Reid looking particularly threatening, while Mark Davies and James Walker combined to give Shane Paul a sight of goal, but the winger's shot was too high.

Kuru called upon
Austrian goalkeeper Bartolomej Kuru was then called into action twice to deal with crosses from Porter and Walker, either side of Walker's shot than rolled wide. Austria held firm, however, and might have taken the lead themselves but Besian Idrizaj was unable to convert twice when well placed.

Powerful Porter
In the 35th minute, a loose ball fell perfectly for Porter, but his long-range shot, although well struck, flashed wide. However, the left-sided player did find his range 14 minutes into the second half, chesting down Reid's deep right-wing cross before drilling a shot across Kuru and into the far corner for what proved to be the decisive goal.

Austrian chances
Austria attempted to respond immediately, and first Erwin Hoffer had a shot blocked before captain Daniel Gramann, who scored both goals against Ukraine, was unable to convert after a free-kick fell kindly for the defender in front of goal.  

Chances at either end
Porter might have added a second 12 minutes from time, racing clear down the left but this time he opted to cross and Walker was denied by a last-ditch tackle. Hoffer then went close for Austria while Kuru had to be alert to dart off his line and block Christopher James' shot after the England substitute had played a one-two on the edge of the Austrian penalty area.

Last-gasp drama
Austrian replacement Georg Lederer turned well only to shoot wide from 20 metres, before a moment of late drama that might have earned Austria a crucial point. Deep into added time Hoffer had a shot blocked and the ball span away to Peter Hackmair, who cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful left-foot shot which flashed centimetres wide. Austrian players sank to their knees, knowing that their last chance of a semi-final place had gone.