Internationals-Watch Ramsey’s stunning goal against England, Fonte on target for Portugal

Aaron Ramsey- England U21 2 Wales U21 2 (England U21 win 5-4 on agg.)

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was in fine form for Wales U21s against England at Villa Park last night, but his performance was not enough to prevent the Three Lions from qualifying for the 2009 UEFA European U-21 Championships, to be held in Sweden next summer.

After a 3-2 victory in Cardiff on Friday night, England held the advantage over Wales going into the second-leg. Tom Huddlestone put the hosts ahead with a free-kick hit low and hard past the ‘keeper but Wales responded in spectacular fashion.

Ramsey, wearing the no.10 shirt, smashed the ball past Joe Hart with his left-foot on a half-volley from 30 yards out. It was a stunning strike and Wales were back in the tie. Ramsey then turned provider for Simon Church who slotted past Joe Hart to make it 2-1 to Wales on the night and 4-4 on aggregate, although England had the away goals rule in their favour.

A Sam Vokes own goal drew England level and, after a scrappy end to the game, Stuart Pearce’s side qualified for the finals. It was dissapointment for Ramsey and his Welsh team-mates, but Aaron has already been told that he will appear for the seniors in a friendly against Denmark next month. England coach Pearce has also heaped praise on the 21 year-old.

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Rui Fonte- Portugal U19 1 Bulgaria U19 1

Rui emerged from the bench to salvage a point for Portugal in their opening qualifier against Bulgaria yesterday. Fonte started the game on the bench and replaced Nelson Oliviera on 76 minutes. Bulgaria took a suprise lead through Radoslav Valisev with just five minutes left on the clock and looked to be heading towards a shock victory, but Fonte was having none of it. Just a minute after conceding, Portugal were level after Rui showed good composure to finish under pressure. Portugal currently sit in second place in Group 12 and take on the leaders Finland tomorrow before rounding off against Israel on Sunday.

Nacer Barazite- Germany U19 2 Holland U19 1

With qualification for the Elite Round already secure, the Netherlands took on Germany with little to play for in their final qualifier of this phase. The Germans took the lead on 22 minutes, before Leroy Fer pulled the Dutch level on the hour mark. But Germany snatched a winner six minutes from time to claim the points. Nacer started the game on the bench but came on for Georginio Wijnaldum at the break.