LISBON, May 29 (SW) - A goal from Daniel de Ridder earned the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Italy at the UEFA U-21 Championship, thanks to which the Dutch advance to the semi finals with Ukraine.

Denmark - Ukraine 1-2

Top performers in Group B were Ukraine, with their third victory in a row. Ruslan Fomin opened the score after 31 minutes, but Thomas Kahlenberg levelled for the Danes in the 43rd.

However, Artem Milevski restored Ukraine's lead, 1-2 with six minutes left to play.

The Netherlands - Italy 1-0

After a defeat and a draw, the Netherlands needed a small miracle to advance. Ukraine's win over Denmark was in favour of both the Dutch and the Italians, and a draw would have been enough for the Azzurrini to advance.

In the only real chance the Netherlands managed to create, substitute Daniel de Ridder headed home for 1-0 in the 73rd minute.

Both teams have four points, but the head-to-head result allows the Netherlands to continue while Italy are eliminated.

In the semi finals, Ukraine face Serbia & Montenegro while the Netherlands meet with France.