The Dutch went into their second fixture of the tournament off the back of a goalless draw with neighbours Belgium, against a Portugal side also looking for their first win at the European Under-21 Championship.

Ian Maatsen started today’s match among the substitutes, as the Netherlands fell behind in the first half. They put Portugal under increasing pressure after the break and managed to find the equaliser with 12 minutes remaining, when striker Brian Brobbey turned in from close range following a corner.

Maatsen was introduced shortly afterwards at left wing-back to bolster their defence and regain the Dutch team’s shape following several attack-minded changes while they were pushing for the goal. He successfully helped his side navigate an at times chaotic conclusion to the game, with both sides missing chances to win, earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

That leaves the Netherlands third in their group on two points, but knowing a win over co-hosts Georgia in their last group game on Tuesday will guarantee the Dutch a spot in the quarter-finals.

Mykhailo Mudryk watched on from the bench as Ukraine took on the other co-hosts Romania today, as he did in his country’s opening group game, having joined up with the Under-21 squad after representing the senior side during the international break earlier this month.

He will have been pleased with what he saw, as Ukraine followed up their 2-0 win over Croatia with a second victory, although they had to be patient. Despite dominating proceedings throughout, they failed to make the most of their chances and only got their breakthrough in the 89th minute, when Romanian defender Victor Dican diverted a low cross into his own net.

Despite Ukraine being reduced to 10 men by a red card for Vladyslav Vanat in injury time, they held on for a deserved win. Spain's win over Croatia in the day's later kick-off ensured that Ukraine qualified for the knock-out stages with a game to spare, before taking on the Spanish to decide which of the two sides tops the group on Tuesday.