U-19 European Championships update: The close of the group stage.

We had close games and blowouts today as both groups A and B finished up today. In Group A the Republic of Ireland faced, and drew 0-0 with, Romania. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic edged the Greeks 1-0 thanks to a 70th minute wonder goal from Tomas Prikryl. These results put the Czechs at the top of Group A with an undefeated record while the Republic of Ireland are in 2nd with 4 points. Just like the game today, the Greeks were edged by a point in the group table, bowing out with 3 points while the hosts of this tournament, Romania, are out as well, having amassed just 1 point from 3 games and so finishing 4th. Over in Group B, things were slightly more exciting with Serbia v.s. Belgium ending 1-1. The match in Buftea started early enough, Serbia's Andrej Mrkela struck his nation ahead in the 6th minute. However, that was about all the magic the team had as they held on to the 1-0 lead into half-time, but lost it in the 73rd minute when Marnick Vermijl struck Belgium level. Though both sides could have tallied a few more goals, it was still a heart-racing finish as the teams attacked and defended without a breakthrough. Had Belgium scored just 1 more they would have qualified for the next round. They knew that, but couldn't convert and so Serbia qualified. Last but not least was Spain's match with Turkey which surprisingly finished 3-0 to the Turks! It was a dismal game for the 4-time Champion Spaniards as they scored 2 own goals and allowed another without reply. First was Jonas Ramalho's 31st minute goal in the wrong net. Spain pulled it together and were down just 1-0 when the referee blew for half-time. The Spanish folded under pressure in the 51st minute though, allowing Turkey's Kamil Corekci to strike into the back of the net and putting themselves 2-0 down. The game wasn't done their though, rather, Sergi Gomez then put the ball into his own net making it a terrible 3-0 scoreline when the end of regulation time was called. Despite making the Spanish look like insecure jokes, Turkey did not qualify for the next round as Serbia had better averages. They do, however, take home quite a conciliation prize! Enjoy the Semi-finals!