Superb Spain oust Hungary

Spain are through to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals as Group A winners with a perfect record after another high-class display that ended Hungary's campaign.

Hungarian frustration
Rubén Ramos opened the scoring in the first half, and Spain's monopoly of possession meant that Hungary - reduced to ten men near the end when Dániel Lengyel was dismissed - were frustrated in their bid to get the win they needed to pip Russia, victors against Luxembourg. Spain's 15-year-old sensation Bojan Krkić, again a half-time substitute, made sure with a late penalty he won himself.

Gullón ill
Illness deprived Spain of Marcos Gullón; he and José Hermosa made way in midfield for José Baena and Cristian Vergara. Milán Balikó resumed his regular role in the Hungarian goal, having given way to Péter Gulácsi for the 4-0 defeat of hosts Luxembourg on Friday. The rainy conditions in Ettelbruck did not hinder the Spaniards' quick passing style. However Hungary had the first chance, an Ádám Dudás free-kick headed just over by defender András Debreceni. The danger Spain posed was clear, though, just after the quarter-hour when following a stylish build-up Ramón Soria's cross was turned just wide by Aarón Ñíguez. Minutes later the talented No10 made the opener, looping over a perfect centre for striking partner Ramos to rise and head in.

Németh threat
Now the pressure was on Hungary but Krisztián Németh was up to the challenge, playing through an angled ball for Dudás to shoot across the face of goal on 32 minutes. Ñíguez was still starring at the other end, making a solo run and forcing Balikó to save. Moments before the break it was Németh's turn again; set up by Attila Busai, the striker's shot required Sergio Asenjo to make a stop at full stretch.

Spanish exhibition
Krkić made his customary arrival and as usual helped up Spain's attacking tempo a notch. Their dominance in possession was overwhelming, no mean achievement considering the talent in the Hungarian lineup. At times it had the look of an exhibition, though on the hour the best opportunity of the half so far was for Hungary, a clever Vladimir Koman ball setting Dudás clear, though Asenjo was equal to the challenge.

Campaign over
Any hope Hungary had went 12 minutes from time when Lengyel was handed a red card for a punch at César Ortiz. Krkić was felled in the box five minutes from time and confidently drilled the ball central and low for his fourth goal of the tournament. Balikó then did well to deny Ñíguez and Krkić, who also hit the post, but Hungary have come to rue the late goal conceded against Russia on the opening day in a game they dominated.