Fuente : UEFA
http://es.uefa.com/index.html

UEFA European U-19 C'ship: European sides' hopes ended

/noticias.info/ UEFA European Under-19 Champions Spain's hopes of FIFA World Youth Championship success were ended by a 3-1 defeat by Argentina in an enthralling quarter-final, and with the Netherlands' dramatic penalty shoot-out loss to Nigeria earlier in the day, there will no European representative in the semi-finals.

Four defeats
With Germany and Italy eliminated after extra time and penalties, respectively, yesterday, European hopes rested squarely on the shoulders of tournament hosts the Netherlands and Spain in the two remaining quarter-finals. But it was to prove a disappointing day as neither side could overcome fluent opponents.

Early strike
The opening match got off to the worst of starts for the Dutch, who fell behind in the first minute, with John Owoeri tapping in. But the hosts fought back well in front of a partisan crowd at Kerkrade's Parkstad Limburg Stadium, and Ron Vlaar made it 1-1 within 60 seconds of the restart, glancing home Quincy Owusu-Abeyie’s cross.

Penalty marathon
Both sides had chances to win but the game drifted into extra-time and then on to penalties. Collins John converted the first and the sides matched each other until the Fulham FC striker was called upon once more to take his side’s 12th penalty. His chipped effort was brilliantly saved allowing the match-winner against Ukraine, Taye Taiwo, to repeat the feat and seal a 10-9 penalty shootout victory.

Zapater leveller
The win sealed an all-African semi-final against Italy's vanquishers Morocco on Wednesday, while the other last-four match will see Argentina face South American rivals Brazil after a 3-1 win against Spain. Iñaki Sáez's team fell behind to a Pablo Zabaleta goal midway through the first half but soon equalised through Zapater.

Quick-fire goals
Argentina responded well and two goals in as many minutes midway through the second half secured their progress. Gustavo Oberman made it 2-1 on 71 minutes before Lionel Messi, who plays his club football for FC Barcelona, sealed Spain's fate. notas_de_prensa_archivo