International Matches - Under 21

Kazakhstan 1 - Spain 2

Kazakhstan: Shabanov; Zhumabayev, Shevchenko, Kislitsyn, Noskov (Shakhmetov 74'); Ibrayev (Maltsev 89'), Loguinenko, Nurgaliyev (Borovskiy 46'), Sabalakov; Nusserbayev, Kenbayev. 4-4-2.
Spain: Sergio Asenjo; Miguel Torres, Javi García, Piqué, Monreal; Raúl García (Angel Martínez 89'), Javi Martínez; Sisi, Granero (Pedro 83'), Mata; Xisco (José Callejón 69'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 25. Granero. Curled wide free kick over defensive wall past Shabanov.
1-1. 59. Kenbayev. Ran on to long ball and fired shot past Asenjo in off post.
1-2. 86. Sabalakov (own goal). Turned fierce Raúl García cross into own net.

Spain's under 21 side are through to the play-off stage of the European Championship after a 1-2 win over Kazakhstan. Russia's victory over Georgia earlier in the day meant that the youngsters still needed a point to ensure top spot. Granero set them on their way, beating Shabanov with a well struck free kick midway through the first half, and Newcastle's new signing Xisco came close a couple of times to extending the lead.

Sisi brought a good save out of Shabanov early in the second half, but Piqué allowed a long clearance through to Kenbayev who ran on to shoot past Asenjo and equalise. And there were some nervous moments before Sabalakov turned Raúl García's fierce cross into his own net late on. There was still time for substitute Pedro to test the keeper one more time, but the game ended soon afterwards and López Caro's side are a step closer to next summer's finals.