Spain subdued by Halimi
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Article summary
Spain 1-1 Switzerland Beqim Halimi's late strike keeps the Swiss top of Group 1 above their opponents.
Article body
Spain missed the chance to secure the eighth and final place in this summer's UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland in Mallorca.
Victory required
With both teams winning their opening Group 1 encounters – mini-tournament hosts Spain defeating Denmark 1-0 while Switzerland overcame Poland 3-1 – and the Poles and the Danes playing out a 1-1 draw earlier today, victory for either side at the Municipal Sa Pobla would have been enough to seal first place in the section and a berth in the finals in Italy.
Swiss strike back
It was Spain who struck first, Real Madrid CF's Alberto Bueno opening the scoring in the 26th minute with a cool finish from inside the penalty area. The Swiss refused to concede defeat, however, and snatched a point with 12 minutes remaining as Beqim Halimi rounded off a swift counterattack to level.
Saturday showdown
The result kept the Swiss top of the section on goal difference and means that there is everything to play for in Saturday's final fixtures. Switzerland finish their campaign against Denmark while the Poles are Spain's last opponents.
