AKIPRESS.COM - Spain ended the hopes of finals debutants Kazakhstan to set up a decider with the team that ended their nine-year reign in 2014, Russia, UEFA website said.

Deprived of their most important player, forward-running goalkeeper Higuita, through suspension, as well as missing injured Chingiz Yesenamanov, Kazakhstan were up against it taking on a team with 25 straight wins since their 2014 extra-time semi-final loss to Russia. However, Aleksandr Dovgan gave Kazakhstan a shock lead after Douglas's pass.

Spain soon responded, Miguelín's shot only parried by Higuita's deputy Grigori Shamro and Bebe hitting in the rebound. Miguelín scored himself and before half-time Ortiz's clever ball set up Raúl Campos for a third. Mikhail Pershin had been Kazakhstan's flying goalkeeper from the start as Cacau stuck with his five v four tactics, but early in the second half Alex chipped into an empty net after Miguelín won the ball in midfield.

Leo, having a go as flying goalkeeper, pulled one back and Serik Zhamankulov set up a thrilling last three minutes but Raúl Campos responded to snuff out the comeback.