Swiss squeeze through to take final U19 slot
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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Switzerland 1-1 Belgium
The Group 4 hosts were denied a place in the finals on goal difference as a nerve-jangling draw in Beringen booked Switzerland's passage to Ukraine.
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UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group 4 hosts Belgium were denied a place in the final tournament on goal difference as a nerve-jangling draw in Beringen booked Switzerland's passage to Ukraine.
Sharp reaction
Both sides won their opening two mini-tournament fixtures, but with the Swiss boasting a goal difference of plus seven, one better than Belgium, the hosts knew they needed to win at the Mijnstadion to take first place. However, they went a goal behind after 13 minutes with Neuchâtel Xamax FC midfielder Sébastien Wüthrich reacting sharply to head in after the goalkeeper had blocked a Swiss shot.
Splendid save
Star player Eden Hazard quickly restored parity, with the LOSC Lille Métropole playmaker dusting himself off to convert a 23rd-minute penalty after he was fouled in the area. Belgium moved in for the kill, but chances went begging, and when the goalkeeper made a splendid low save to deny Nil De Pauw from a Christian Benteke cross, Swiss progress was finally assured.