Spain have qualified for the last four of the ongoing European Under-21 Championship after defeating Serbia by the slimmest of margins in Bydgoszcz.
The game started slow as the favourites took their time to settle into the encounter.
Serbia started well, remaining ambitious but Spain continued to control the game. After the first 38 minutes, Spain sealed their possession with a goal. Skipper Denis Suarez scored after combining with Alvaro Odriozola and Inaki Williams.
Spain seemed to calm as the game wore on, with Serbia struggling to trouble them. Serbia were out of the tournament in any case so the game proceeded on slowly.
Suarez tried getting another but keeper Manojlovic kept denying him. In the final ten minutes, Serbia sought for an equalizer for pride sake but the Spanish side fought them off. Eventually, Spain kept all nine points from the group stage as they look to appear in the final on Tuesday. Spain are set to play Italy – who defeated Germany 1-0 to lead their group.
The 1-0 scoreline is a controversial one as it helped Germany excel above Slovakia as best runners-up. Slovakia were behind England in Group A but their six points meant they would progress. However, the scoreline in the Italy-Germany game ended such hopes.
The coach of the Slovak side PavelHapal claimed that there was collusion for the scoreline to end that way.
“What Italy and Germany have done is a shame for football. We are all very disappointed. With all due respect for England and Spain, for me, this tournament is over, I will not watch it anymore,” he said.
The Slovaks accused the pair of slowing things down as it was favourable for both sides. for now, Germany progress to meet England.