Spain stroll into semis

Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship after a comfortable 3-0 Group B win against Israel in Chaves this afternoon.

Sunday game
The victory maintained Juan Santisteban's side's 100 per cent record in the tournament so far. To make sure of topping the group and avoiding facing hosts Portugal in the semi-finals, the Spaniards now only need a draw against England on Sunday in Vila Real.

Spain dominate
Spain dominated from the outset of the game, with Silva going close to opening the scoring after just ten minutes, only to see his shot blocked by an Israeli defender.

Worth the wait
Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession it took until the 33rd minute for Spain to gain the advantage their enterprise deserved. However the goal was well worth the wait. Spanish captain Jurado began the move with a long pass down the right. The ball reached Ruz as he charged down the flank and crossed early for Silva whose near post header beat goalkeeper Gil Offek.

David lob
Three minutes later the game was effectively over as a contest as Spain doubled their advantage. David picked up the ball in the Israeli box and lobbed Offek, who came out to try and gather. Silva also got a touch on the ball but it had already crossed the line. Israel rallied before the break but again it was Spain who were the more incisive, with Silva picking out David who only just missed the target with a quicksilver effort.

Israel changes
At half-time Israel brought on forward Elnatan Salami and midfield player Michael Warwick to spice up their attacking play. Avraham Bahar's side certainly never let their heads drop but it was Spain who retained the initiative, extending their lead to 3-0 on 47 minutes. David's shot was blocked by an Israeli boot and Cases lashed in the rebound past a wrongfooted defence to register his second goal of the tournament. 

Jurado withdrawn
From then on Spain were able to take their foot off the pedal and withdraw captain Jurado, forward Silva and defender Ruz from the fray to conserve their energy for the challenges that lie ahead.