Spain Under-21s 1-0 Northern Ireland Under-21s

Birmingham defender Tony Capaldi suffered heartache when his own goal condemned Northern Ireland's Under-21s to defeat in their European Championship qualifier in Spain.

Capaldi, like the rest of his team-mates, had battled magnificently against a Spanish side littered with talented players from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But deep into stoppage time they were undone when a free-kick from Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta cannoned off Capaldi and past startled goalkeeper Elliott Morris.

Capaldi was left beating the ground in frustration, but there was much to admire in this young Northern Irish performance.

Tony Capaldi scored an own goal in Spain

Certainly, watching senior manager Sammy McIlroy would have been heartened at the way they went about their business.

It looked as though they would come away with at least a point until that late cruel blow.

Morris, who plays for Glentoran, made a string of good saves and his confidence spread throughout the team.

Northern Ireland worked their socks off and manager Roy Millar will no doubt take a lot of heart from this performance.

His young guns gave a spirited show in the first half and could have taken the lead in the third minute when Lee McEvilly picked out Brian Close but his shot was beaten away.

From the corner Pat McCourt picked out Gordon Simms who had ghosted away from his marker but he headed over the crossbar.

The Spanish stepped up the pressure and captain Arteta sent a shot narrowly wide.

Another scare

It was an anxious time for Northern Ireland but they surged forward and Gary Browne saw his shot parried by goalkeeper Victor after good work from Close.

There was another scare for the NI boys nine minutes before the break when Alberto Riera hit the post.

Northern Ireland started the second half brightly with McCourt delivering a good cross to the back post, but it was hacked away to safety.

At the other end Arteta got into a good position but Mark Clyde took the ball off his toes.

Spain were beginning to turn up the heat and Arteta got into a good position only to send his shot past the post.

Northern Ireland seemed to be hanging on and were in line for a deserved point but they suffered heartache deep into stoppage time when Spain grabbed the winner.