UEFA U-21: Hosts and title holders Holland secured a 1-0 win over Israel to kick off the 2007 UEFA U-21 Championship finals in Heerenveen yesterday. The Dutch, who won the trophy last June in Portugal after beating Ukraine 3-0 in the final, will also face Portugal and neighbours Belgium in Group A. In Group B five-times champions Italy will face Serbia, the Czech Republic and England.

Eto'o: Cameroon have spared Samuel Eto'o from their African Nations Cup qualifier in Rwanda on June 17 to allow the striker to concentrate on Barcelona's defence of the Spanish league title. Eto'o scored the winning goal in Cameroon's 2-1 win over Liberia on June 3 to keep the West African nation top of Group 5 .

Castilla relegated: Real Madrid reserve team Castilla were relegated from the Spanish second division last weekend. Castilla are coached by former first team player Michel. Valladolid were promoted to the top flight at the end of April.

Double blow: Boston United have been demoted to the Blue Square North Division. Boston lost their Football League status last season, but received a further demotion at the Blue Square Premier's annual general meeting. The decision, which means a reprieve from relegation for Altrincham, results from Boston's financial problems.

Gold Cup: The US reached the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Guatemala secured their first win in the competition for 11 years by beating El Salvador 1-0. The US lead Group B with six points from two games. Guatemala and El Salvador are tied for second place with three points each and Trinidad are bottom without points.

Serie C: Promotion play-off finals (1st legs) - Foggia vs Avellino 1-0; Monza vs Pisa 1-0 (second legs - June 17).