Belgium clinches semifinal place in Euro U21 soccer

Updated：2007-06-17 From：Xinhuanet

AMSTERDAM, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Belgium became the second team to reach the European Under-21 championship semi-finals after drawing 2-2 with hosts Netherlands in their final Group A match in Heerenveen on Saturday.

Kevin Mirallas put Belgium in front after nine minutes before Maceo Rigters equalised four minutes later.

A free kick by Royston Drenthe gave the home team a 2-1 lead but Belgium levelled through Sebastien Pocognoli in the 70th minute.

Netherlands finished top with seven points from three games while Belgium were second on five points.

Third-placed Portugal missed out on a semi-final place despite routing Israel 4-0 in Groningen.

Manuel Fernandes, Ricardo Vaz Te, Miguel Veloso and Nani were on target for Portugal.