Spain set for France showdown

Holders Spain set up a UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite round Group 3 decider with France as David Rodríguez struck twice to eliminate their Iberian neighbours Portugal.

Deadlock broken
While mini-tournament hosts Spain had beaten Israel 3-0 on Matchday 1, Portugal had lost 3-2 to France - and needed victory tonight after the French defeated Israel 1-0 earlier today. It was a tight first half between two sides that knew each others' games well, but the Club Atlético de Madrid player broke the deadlock just before the break by looping a header over Portugal goalkeeper Mário Felgueiras.

Victory sealed
Spain midfield player David Jiménez Silva had spectators at the Municipal stadium in rapture with a spectacular piece of skill that led to their second goal on 57 minutes. Bringing down a lofted ball with his left foot, the Valencia FC man set up his namesake to strike his second. His team need only draw with France on Saturday to win the group and reach the finals in Northern Ireland, while Portugal will hope for at least a point to keep hold of third place when they face Israel.