(Updates after Netherlands victory)
AMSTERDAM, June 13 - The Netherlands became the
first side to reach the semi-finals of the European Under-21
championship when they beat Portugal 2-1 in their Group A tie in
Groningen on Wednesday.
The Dutch took the lead in the 33rd minute through Ryan
Babel's penalty, awarded after goalkeeper Ribeiro had brought
down Maceo Rigters.
Portugal upped the pressure in the second half only for
Rigters to add a second goal in the 75th minute. Two minutes
later Miquel Veloso scored for Portugal from a free kick but the
Dutch held on.
Earlier, Belgium overcame Israel 1-0 in another Group A tie
in Heerenveen.
Despite being reduced to 10 men after 18 minutes when
Marouane Fellaini was sent off for a second yellow card, Belgium
defended well and scored the only goal when Kevin Mirallas
outran Israeli defender Dekel Keinan to slot home in the 82nd
minute.
Netherlands have six points from their opening two games,
Belgium have four points and Portugal one. Israel prop up the
group.