Spain, Italy punch tickets to U-21 finals with shutouts

Spanish down Norway 3-0, while Italy denies Netherlands 1-0 in physical match

Spain will get a chance to defend its 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, after defeating Norway 3-0 in Netanya Sunday night.

The squad will face off in Jerusalem Tuesday for the title against Italy, which defeated the Netherlands 1-0 Saturday night.

Spain’s first goal came courtesy of striker Rodrigo during first-half stoppage time, breaking the stalemate against a shaky-looking Norway.

In the second half, the Spanish showed why they were considered the favorites of the tournament, dominating Norway, though the next two goals did not come until the final whistle neared. In the 87th minute, star midfielder Isco scored, and the Spanish put the match away with a great goal by the tournament’s leading scorer, Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, in the 91st minute.

Despite the overwhelming defeat by the Spanish, Norway striker Marcus Pedersen tried to make the best of the situation. “We’re one of the four best teams in Europe so I am very proud as I go home to Norway now,” he said.

In Petah Tikva, a large contingent of Oranje fans, many hailing from Israel’s large Dutch expat community, couldn’t help their team get past Italy.

The two teams played to a physical draw until the 79th minute, when striker Fabio Borini slipped the ball past the Dutch keeper. Lorenzo Insigne provided the assist.

The Netherlands had a number of chances for an equalizer in the last 15 minutes, but was unable to push the ball into the net, despite eight minutes of stoppage time.

The start of the match between Holland and Italy. (photo credit: Raphael Geller/Times of Israel)

The Netherlands got off to a quick start as Dutch-Moroccan midfielder Adam Maher shot a free-kick in the 5th minute that went around the wall but hit the right post. The Dutch and the Italians were very aggressive and physical in the first half; the teams got in to several small altercations with each other. The Dutch controlled the ball control in the first half and had several chances to net a goal, but were unable to finish.

Among the spectators at the match was the mother of Oranje captain Kevin Strootman, who told The Times of Israel she was enjoying her time in the country.

“I love the weather here and the beaches,” Muanderent Strootman said. “We also enjoyed our time in Jerusalem visiting all the special places.”