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Luca Zidane stars for France under-17, saving three penalties

Luca Zidane has added another chapter to his family's footballing history by saving three penalties in a shootout, and missed a Panenka-style effort of his own, as France reached the final of the European Under-17 Championship in Bulgaria.

Zidane, who is the son of 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winner Zinedine, and brother of fellow Real Madrid youngster Enzo, stopped three spot-kicks as France beat Belgium 2-1 on penalties to reach Friday's final where they will face Germany.

The teenager, who misjudged a cross to allow Belgium to equalise in normal time, also took one of his nation's shootout efforts, hitting the bar with a Panenka-style penalty reminiscent of that scored by his illustrious father in the 2006 World Cup final.

"He was determined to take the penalty. There was no way I could refuse him," France coach Jean-Claude Giuntini told RMC, adding Zidane does not play on his famous name.

"You can feel that there is a lot of self-assurance and respect in him. He's very nice to be with. He's considerate, and his relationships with the others are completely normal, friendly, sincere, and marked with respect."

Germany beat Russia 1-0 in their semifinal thanks to a goal from Janni Serra.

There were also two playoffs to reach the reach the Under-17 World Cup, which will be held in Chile starting in October. The four semifinalists in Bulgaria qualify as of right, with two further places up for grabs.

Croatia beat Italy 1-0, and England also booked their placed after beating Spain 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.