Euro U21 round-up: Abel Ruiz scores tournament's fastest EVER goal

Euro Under-21 round-up: Abel Ruiz scores tournament’s FASTEST-EVER goal as Spain beat Croatia to qualify for knock-outs, with Portugal on the brink of elimination following Netherlands draw

  • Ruiz netted just 20 seconds in and his strike was enough to secure the points
  • 10-man Ukraine also qualified after beating Romania with a late own goal
  • All four teams in Group A can still qualify after two draws on Saturday 

Spain’s Abel Ruiz scored the quickest goal in U21 European Championship history on Saturday as Spain beat Croatia 1-0 and qualified for the knockout stage.

In what was ultimately a tightly-contested game, Ruiz, of Braga, raced from kick-off to stun his side’s opponents, who are now out of the competition.

Spain will now fight it out with Ukraine to win Group B after they beat Romania 1-0 through Victor Dican’s late own goal.

Vladyslav Vanat was sent off for Ukraine late on, but the full time whistle triggered jubilant scenes as their qualification was confirmed.

In Group A, meanwhile, it’s all to play for after two draws on Saturday.

Abel Ruiz (right) scored the fastest goal in U21 European Championship history on Saturday

The forward scored just 20 seconds into Spain’s 1-0 win over Croatia in Group B

Brian Brobbey (right), meanwhile, ensured the Netherlands avoided defeat against Portugal

Georgia and Belgium played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Belgium leading 2-0 at half time before Giorgi Guliashvili scored an 87th-minute equaliser, adding to Girogi Tsitaishvili’s earlier goal.

Portugal and the Netherlands drew 1-1 in the other game, with Brian Brobbey cancelling out Andre Almerida’s opening goal.

Georgia top the group with four points from their two games, and will need only a point against the Netherlands to qualify for the knock-outs.

Netherland and Belgium are both on two points, while Portugal have one and will need to win their final game to have any chance of qualifying.

England will play their second group game against Israel on Sunday, with manager Lee Carsley promising to continue with his bold tactical approach as they look to reach the last eight with a game to spare. 

England U21 manager Lee Carsley promised to continue with his bold tactics when his side take on Israel

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