Stalemate ensures France advance

France advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, and a meeting with holders Spain on Tuesday, as they held on for a goalless draw against Russia to earn second place in Group B.

Second spot
The 2005 winners, going for their sixth title at U19 and U18 level, survived several scares against a Russia side who had lost their opening two games, conceding nine goals, before putting on their best display of a disappointing finals campaign in Steyr. With Germany winning 3-2 against Serbia in Pasching, France had to settle for second place in the section and a mouth-watering meeting with Spain in the last four.

Sweeping changes
France, who still needed a point to guarantee qualification, made five changes to the side that had drawn with Germany three days earlier, with star striker Kévin Monnet-Paquet among those rested. Russia were already eliminated and made three alterations after their 6-2 defeat by Serbia including a change of goalkeeper, with Sergei Pesyakov replacing Sergei Borodin, although neither Pesyakov nor his opposite number Johann Carrasso had much to do in the first half with clear chances few and far between.

France chances
France did twice miss the target in the opening ten minutes, Garry Bocaly glancing a header wide from Bakary Sako's left-wing cross before Sako, back from suspension, advanced from inside his own half but got too much purchase on the ball when attempting to lift over Pesyakov. Russia enjoyed a good spell midway through the half but, in front of an enthusiastic band of supporters, failed to test Carrasso, with a volley just the wrong side of the post from Artem Dzyuba the closest they came. France ended the first 45 minutes the stronger but failed to penetrate a Russia back line showing more discipline than in their first two games.

Carrasso heroics
France brought on Monnet-Paquet at half-time, but the hat-trick hero of their opening 5-2 victory against Serbia was only a spectator as Russia carved out an opening seven minutes into the second period, Carrasso foiling the pacy Dzyuba after a fine burst from midfield. The goalkeeper also had to be at his best to keep out Alexandr Salugin's prodded effort before Dzyuba hit the crossbar with a 79th-minute free-kick as Russia sought a winning conclusion to their campaign. France held out, Dzyuba spurning another late opening, although Germany's win means they dropped into second position with five points.