Spain relinquish U17 crown but Swiss stride on

Spain's two-year defence of their UEFA European Under-17 Championship title is over after they registered their third successive Group A goalless draw against section winners Switzerland, who face the Group B runners-up in Friday's semi-finals.

Spain out
The holders had a glut of chances but could not find the killer touch against resolute opponents in Sandersdorf. Switzerland join Italy, 2-1 winners against France, in the last four, leaving Spain with the consolation of a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup this autumn.

Early exchanges
It was Switzerland who threatened first, a neat exchange of passes allowing Oliver Buff to release Granit Xhaka. There seemed no immediate danger but Spain goalkeeper Edgar came racing off his line to clear, Xhaka beat him to it and lifted the ball goalwards only for Marc Muniesa to clear off the line. The titleholders responded as Pablo Sarabia forced Benjamin Siegrist into a smart stop and Borja shot narrowly wide from 20 metres.

Spain possession
Alex then tried his luck from the halfway line, Siegrist scrambling back to save before Sergi Gómez headed straight at the goalkeeper from a corner. The game was following a familiar pattern to Spain's opening two Group A fixtures, but their superior possession was not yielding goals. Kevin hit the target and then fed Muniesa whose shot was deflected wide. On the stroke of half-time, Siegrist failed to hold Isco's shot but Borja's follow-up was cleared off the line.

Tense finale
Borja spurned a golden opportunity straight after the restart although Siegrist spread himself well to deny the Club Atlético de Madrid striker. With the tension rising, Spain forced a succession of corners with captain Koke going close twice. Rubén Sobrino replaced Borja as the champions upped the ante and Koke shot just over with eight minutes remaining. Spain's efforts were becoming increasingly desperate and Haris Seferovic broke away at the other end, his shot going just wide. Left-back Albert Blázquez had two great chance in a tense finale but the holders could not do enough and bowed out without scoring a goal in the tournament.