Belgium deny Portugal semi place

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AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Belgium denied Portugal a place in the semifinals of the European Under-21 championship semifinals 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 equalized four minutes later.

A stunning free kick by Royston Drenthe gave the home team a 2-1 lead but Belgium leveled 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 looked to be heading for the semifinals as they routed routing Israel 4-0 in Groningen.

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

But Pocognoli's equalizer to claim a point for Belgium put them out.

To add to their woes, Manchester United's new signing Nani suffered an injury scare after scoring, going down under a clumsy challenge.

The Portuguese management said he would be monitored over the next few days ahead of his move to Old Trafford.

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