Under 18 European championship

Poland 4 - Spain 1

Spain: Víctor; Zubiaurre, Rubén, Paredes, Galindo; Bordas, Parri, Roberto (Oscar 55'), Jacinto; Nano (Riera 55'), Perona (Elías 73').

Non playing substitutes: Javi López, Navarro, Diego Alegre, Arteta. Valkeakoski, Finland.

Spain got off to a bad start in the European championship, losing their first match to Poland by a heavy margin. The youngsters were two down within a quarter of an hour, with goals from Nawotzczynski and Madej. Barcelona's Perona pulled one back soon afterwards in Spain's best moments of the match, and Parri wasted a chance when he shot over with only the keeper to beat. However a goal by Grzelak just before half time re-established the two goal lead, and although Spain had the best of the second half, Nawotzczynski got his second in injury time to finish them off. It was fitting revenge for Poland, who were beaten in the final two years ago at the under 16 level by the same group of players, and Spain now have little chance of being group champions and hence qualifying for the final. (22.07.01)