Spain sail into semi-finals

Two headers by Gerard Piqué and strikes from Alberto Bueno and Mario Suárez helped Spain secure a safe passage into the last four of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with a commanding victory against Scotland.

Early opener
Spain dominated the match to ensure their second consecutive Group B win against a Scotland side who were a pale shadow of the team that drew 2-2 with Portugal earlier in the week. Although Tommy Wilson's men got off to a sprightly start, the Spaniards soon took control and deservedly went ahead through Bueno just past the quarter-hour mark.

Towering Piqué
A fine run and cross from the left wing by the outstanding Diego Capel was controlled in the area by Tuesday's hat-trick hero Juan Mata, whose shot was parried by Andrew McNeil only for Bueno to pounce on the rebound and finish from close range. Spain then doubled their lead from a set-piece on 27 minutes. Roberto Canella received a short corner and delivered a curling centre to the far post which was met by Piqué's towering header.

Last touch
The second period was barely six minutes old when Piqué scored his second of the night, again with his head. This time the cross came from the right and the imposing Manchester United FC centre-back rose once more at the back stick to power the ball beyond McNeil, with what proved to be his last touch of the game.

Fletcher miss
Spain could have made it 4-0 on 57 minutes when Capel broke through down the left and rifled a low drive at goal but McNeil was equal to the challenge and made a fine reaction save. Scotland fought hard to find a way back into the match, the lively Steven Fletcher firing a snapshot from long range on the hour and then missing his side's best chance by somehow nodding wide in front of an open goal with Antonio Adán beaten.

Final flourish
However, despite Scotland's brave efforts Spain still found time to score again with four minutes remaining. Following a concerted spell of possession, Mario was spotted by Mata with a delightful through-ball and the midfielder curled his shot into the bottom left corner - a team goal to cap an impressive team performance. Spain are therefore assured of first place in the section with a match to spare while Scotland must defeat Turkey on Sunday and hope Portugal fail to defeat the Spanish.