Last update - 00:00 17/06/2007
Portugal puts Israel in its place
By Itai Ziv
HEERENVEEN, Netherlands - Portugal scored four goals in a 13-minute period spanning the first and second halves to trounce Israel 4-0 in its final Group A match at the UEFA Under21 Championship last night.
Midfielder Manuel Fernandes opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a long-range strike from outside the penalty area, while forward Ricardo Vaz Te headed in the second after Israel's defense left him all alone in the box.
Within just a few minutes after halftime, Miguel Veloso (49) squeezed a free kick past Tom Almadon, and Nani (50) nailed a 25-meter shot that also eluded Israel's goalkeeper.
Despite the lopsided victory, Portugal did not qualify for the semifinals because Belgium and Holland drew 2-2 in the other Group A match last night.
Israel coach Guy Levi put Lior Rafaelov in the starting lineup for the first time at the tournament, which was the only change made from Wednesday's match against Belgium.
For the third time in competition, Toto Tamuz opened on the bench.