EURO U-21 | ESTONIA 0 SPAIN 2

The Spanish National U-21 Football squad began its road towards the Euro 2017 finals defeating 0 - 2 Estonia in their Group 6 match. The current European U-21 Champions had to work hard & contain their frustration & stress due the pressure applied by Estonia to win tonight. The Spaniards shot 18 times at goal but only converted twice - one a penalty - due to the defensive set up of the home team.

Spain needed Everton player Deulofeu to break the stalemates, firstly setting up Gaya for him to score Spains first goal & then himself converting a last minute penalty. 

Spain joins Georgia with 3 points at the top of the Group ladder after the latter won its match San Marino. 

Classification for Euro 2017 U-21, match details:

ESTONIA - 0:
Tamme; Ojamma, Vihmann, Avilov, Aloe; Marin (5) (min. 84 Ainsalu), Liivak, Sappinen, Slein (min. 84 Käit); Gusev &; Kirss

SPAIN - 2:
Kepa; Bellerin, Jonny, Duarte, Gayá; Saul; Oliver, Ceballos (min. 61 Ceballos); Deulofeu ( min. 90 Jose Rodriguez, Munir & Denis Suurez.

GOALS:
0-1 Gaya min 81 & 0-2 Deulofeu 90 penalty.

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SPAIN DRAWS 0 - 0 WITH SERBIA | U-21 EURO 2015 QUALIFIER

The Spanish U-21 National Team drew away 0 - 0 to Serbia in their Group U-21 Euro 2015 match. The result puts qualification on hold as the decider will be played by both again next Tuesday here in Spain (Cadiz).

Spain dominated the encounter but found the uneven & difficult turf not to their Football liking, while Serbia put up a defensive wall which saw how Spain kept bouncing off. However, Spain relied tonight more on individual efforts when perhaps a more team oriented approach may have been better. 

Next Tuesday, Spain has another opportunity to secure their U-21 Euro 2015 presence when they meet Serbia again in Cadiz, on home turf. But it is not a "done deal", as seen tonight, Serbia can be a tough nut to crack. 

SERBIA - 0:
Serbia: 1. Dmitrovic; 3. Petkovic, 6. Pantic, 5.Veljkovic, 13. Petrovic; 21. Srnica (7) (Cavric min. 68), 7. Radoja, 2. Kovacevic (6) (Srdan min. 82), 11. Kostic, 10. Causic &; 8 Pesic (7) (Uros min. 87).

SPAIN - 0:
1. Kepa; 2. Manquillo, 4. S. Gomez, 5. Muniesa, 3. A. Moreno; 6. Saul, 8. S. Roberto, 10. Isco; 11. Deulofeu (5) (Sarabia min. 68) , 9. Morata & 7. Muniain (6) (Oliver min. 77).

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EURO U-21 QUALIFIERS | SPAIN TO FACE SERBIA

The Euro U-21 2015 qualifiers have been settled today with Spain matched up with the very difficult Serbia. The upcoming qualifiers will be in home & away format scheduled the 9th & the 14th of Octobre.

The winners of the Groups will qualify to go into the 2015 Euro U-21 Champions Finals to be held in the Czech Republic. The Top 4 European Nations of this tournament will also qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) Olympic Games. 

According to local Football observers Serbia was one of the teams to avoid. Their squad has Top U-21 players gaining experience in Major European Leagues like Djuricic (Mainz), Jojic (Borussia Dortmund), Markovic (Liverpool FC) & Mitrovic (Anderlecht). Spain themselves are full of experienced youngsters & Serbia will not be to glad either. 

Euro U/21 qualification home & away match-ups:

Serbia-Spain
Slovenia-Italy
France-Sweden
Denmark-Island
England-Croatia
Holland-Portugal
Ukraine-Germany

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SPAIN 1 - AUSTRIA 1 | EURO U-21 GROUP RESULT

Spain U-21 National Football Team has finished top of its Euro classification Group to join England, Denmark, Slovania, Croatia, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, France, Ukraine, Holland, Island & Serbia, as series head for next Friday home & away play-off match draws (to be played 9th & 14th Oct) to be held at the UEFA HQ. 

Spain drew 1 - 1 with Austria tonight with the visitors equalizing in the 94th min by Djuricin. Earlier Spain went ahead first through a 48th min Sarabia goal. Surprise result for Spain who dominated the match & the result took away a all winner (max. available points) Group participation.  

Details:

SPAIN 1: Kepa, Jonny, Gaya, Israel Puerto (Sergi Gomez, min.54), Amat, Campaña (Sandro, min.77), Sarabia, Ruben Pardo, Ayoze, Sergi Darder (Unai López, min.62) & Denis Suarez.

AUSTRIA 1: Stankovic, Schilling, Schopf, Djuricin,Gregoritsch, Lukas Rath, Farkas, Spendhofer, Stöger (Janeczek, min.45), Gartner (Schaub, min. 60) & Ritzmaier (Zulj, min.69).

GOALS: 1-0, min.50, Sarabia. 1 - 1, min.94, Djuricin.

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SPAIN 1 HUNGARY 0 | EURO U-21 GROUP RESULT

The U - 21 Spanish Football National Team managed their fourth straight win 1 - 0 over Hungary in their U-21 Euro Group qualifying match for the 2015 U-21 European Championships. This is the great news, the less pretty news was the little effectiveness Spain showed with their Football after the 9th min goal from Morata that was to be the eventual winner.

The youngsters are beginning to suffer the same "problems" as their older counterparts the senior Spanish Football Team. The opponents have watched plenty of videos to figure out that the "only" effective way to neutralize the Spanish ball possession & game dominance is putting 10 men in defence & wait for a Spanish mistake ( loss of ball ) to counter-attack. As with the "seniors" the U-21 experienced the same, with plenty of ball control but neutralized up front at the "business end" of the field. 

Said this, at this stage of the Euro qualifiers, a win is a win & three points the main objective. Seen under this perspective a good night at the office. However, also a precedent of what is to come in the future & the need to "mix up" the Spanish game repertoire. 

Details:

Spain 1: Pacheco; Dani Carvajal, Saúl Ñiguez, Amat, Bernat; Campaña, Oliver Torres (Deulofeu, m. 76), Sarabia (Rubén Pardo, m. 63), Muniain, Suso; & Morata (Jesé Rodríguez, m. 90).

Hungary 0: Jova; Baráth, Kelemen, Lang, Poór; Szakály, Holman (Vernes, m. 87), Windecker, Adorján (Radó, m. 92); Vécsei & Bacsa (Ugrai, m. 70).

Goals: 1-0, m. 9: Morata.

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SPAIN 3 BOSNIA 2 | EURO U-21 GROUP 4 QUALIFIER RESULT

The Spanish U-21 National Football Team hosted Bosnia in their Group 4 UEFA U-21 European qualifier for the 2015 European Championship. Spain won 3 - 2 Bosnia but it was through the overall talent of the Spaniards that pulled the team through as tonight there was plenty of defensive mistakes & irregular play. This win puts Spain on top of their Group but the "road" is long & the team will need to stay concentrated in coming matches.

Bosnia got ahead first in the 13th min by Grahovac which surprised everyone, except those who watched the defensive slip that explained it all. The Bosnian side pressured, forced Spain to make mistakes & counter-attacked putting Spain on the back foot. 

As said Spain recovered with three straight goals - Sergi Roberto 28th min , Saul 50th min & Morata 69th min - by sheer talent of their players as Bosnia then scored a second in the 86th min by Kvesic that made Spain call for the whistle. The Bosnian goal came from another defensive slip with Spanish defenders out of place & the late minutes turned into an eternity for Spain. In the end, calm heads & ball possession from the Spanish youngsters took the ship to save port to secure the worked victory. 

Match statistics:

SPAIN 3:
Pacheco; Dani Carvajal, Amat, Saúl Ñiguez, Bernat; Rubén Pardo, Oliver Torres, Sarabia (Jesé Rodríguez, m.74), Muniain (Deulofeu, m.66), Sergi Roberto; & Morata (Suso, m.84).

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA 2:
Jajalo; Barisic, Jakupovic, Kovacevic, Bevab; Grahovac, Cajic, Krunic (Kvesic, m.82), Subic (Duljevic, m.70); Mesanovic & Maletic (Bekic, m.60).

GOALS:

0-1. M.13: Grahovac. 1-1. M.28: Sergi Roberto. 2-1. M.50: Saúl Ñiguez. 3-1. M.69: Morata. 3-2. M.86: Kvesic.

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ITALY 2 SPAIN 4 | UEFA U - 21 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULT

The Spanish U-21 National Football Team has won the UEFA U-21 European Championship held in Israel after defeating Italy 2 - 4 in the Final. This a a back to back Final win as they were reigning European Champions coming into this tournament. The Spanish youngsters demonstrated that Spanish Football has a great future, that there are plenty of top class players in the pipeline & that some will be soon knocking at the door of the absolute Spanish Team, if not already.

Spain U-21 starting XI vs Italy in the Final

The above Spanish U-21 Football Players deserved the victory as they were much better than the Italians today. Italy had their moments & showed that they too have quality & why they were finalists, but in the end the quality of the Spanish team was superior.

Thiago

FC Barcelona & Spanish U-21 Captain THIAGO scored a HAT-TRICK & was the protagonist of this Final. This was his last game for the U-21 team as he passes the age limit & put in a match to be remembered as part of his personal finale. Goals in the 5th min with a header, in the 30th min with a penalty & in the 37th min set Spain sailing. 

If Thiago was a signing target this summer his value would have increased after todays game & would have certainly convinced English giants Manchester United to take the leap & go finally after the player who has only a 18M€ contract release clause. 

The other Spanish U-21 star ISCO ( the tournament MVP )also put in his grain of salt again with a goal in the 66th min from the penalty spot. This player is all the rage in European Football with Real Madrid & Manchester City in a tug-of-war to sign the man. The English side is at this moment in the front seat. 

Other players to mention are Real Madrid player Morata ( the Tournament Top Scorer ) who set up the first goal with a superb play & pass to find Thiago, Manchester United goalie David De Gea who although saw two balls pass him into the net made a couple of great saves in this match, Atletico de Madrid midfielder Koke was solid all tournament, FC Barcelona player Tello quick & dangerous & team-mates & defenders Bartra & Montayo excellent, Iñigo, Alberto, Illarramendi... all the squad players did their part, it was a real team effort.

The Italians scored twice & both goals were of excellent quality & class. Inmobile scored in the 9th min with elegance & Borini executed a power driver in the 79 th min that was surgically precise to find the bar out of reach for De Gea. 

Congratulations to the U-21 Spanish Football team.

Match details:

Italy 2: Bardi; Donati, Bianchetti, Caldirola, Regini; Florenzi (Saponara, 58’), Rossi, Verratti (Crimi, 76’), Insigne; Borini & Inmobile (Gabbiadini, 58’)

Spain 4: De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Íñigo, Alberto; Koke (Camacho, 86’), Illarramendi, Thiago; Tello (Muniain, 70’), Morata (Rodrigo, 80’) y Isco.


Goals: 0-1 (7’) Thiago. 1-1 (10’) Inmobile. 1-2 (31’) Thiago. 1-3 (38’) Thiago. 1-4 (66’) Isco. 2-4 (80’) Borini.

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SPAIN 3 NORWAY 0 | U-21 EURO SEMI-FINAL RESULT

The Spanish U-21 Football National Team has won a place in the Final of the UEFA U-21 European Championships being held in Israel win a 3 - 0 victory over Norway in the semi-final. The reigning Euro Champs deserved the win as they were far the superior side although Norway did create opportunities that they could not materialize. 

The first half was relatively even with Norway defending & waiting for a counter-attack or for a set play opportunity. However, if you decide to give the ball to Spain this will cause you to run after them & you will tire. The "exhaustion factor" for Norway played its part towards the end of the match. Meanwhile , Norway goalie Nyland kept Spain out with some superb saves but Spanish striker Rodrigo "opened the can" in the 45th+ min.

The second half saw Norway lift in their efforts in order to attempt to find an equalizer. They nearly achieved the objective but missed their chances, plus they began gradually to tire from the physical effort. Spain made some changes to keep the side fresh & put on Munian & Morata (Sarabia in the end)

The sealer came in the 87th min when Isco did his magic in the goal square & scored the second. Brilliant piece of individual work & quick thinking that highlighted why Manchester City & Real Madrid are bidding for the young man. Lastly, Morata scored the third when he broke away & ran into the goal square to shot but managed to get the rebound off the goalkeeper Nyland & slip the ball into an open space that found the net. Superb!

Spain now will meet the winner of the other semi-final currently in play while I write this post, Italy or Holland next Tuesday.

Match details:

SPAIN 3: De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Íñigo Martínez, Alberto; Illarramendi, Thiago, Koke; Tello (Muniain, 73’), Isco (Sarabia, 89’) & Rodrigo (59’).

NORWAY 0: Nyland; Elabdellaoui, Berge, Strandberg, Hedenstad; Henriksen, Johansen (Berisha, 80’), Eikrem (Nordtveit); Berget, Pedersen & King (Nielsen, 46’).


Goals: 1-0 (45+) Rodrigo 2-0 (87’) Isco. 3-0 (93’) Morata

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SPAIN 3 HOLLAND 0 | U-21 EURO GROUP RESULT

The Spanish Football U-21 National Team & reigning U-21 European Champions placed themselves in Top position of their Group after defeating Holland 3 - 0. Authoritative demonstration from Spain which puts them into the "favourites" category in the UEFA U-21 Euros being celebrated in Israel.

Spain will meet Norway next Saturday in the semi final.   

Spain Coach Lopetegui decided to move the bench for this game & give some other players a run. The difference was not noticed as Spain was firm & outstanding from the start. Holland had their chances but Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea was spectacular & did his work. The goals came from Morata - his 3rd in the competition - in the 26th min, Isco in the 32nd min & Alvaro Vazquez in the 90th min. Spanish player Sarabia had a big part in the first & third goal & was also outstanding.

Spain looking good!

Match details:

Spain 3: De Gea; Carvajal, Álvaro, Íñigo, Nacho; Camacho (Illarramendi, 52’), Thiago (Muniesa, 79’); Sarabia, Isco (Álvaro Vázquez, 62’), Muniain; & Morata

Holland 0: Bizot; Leerdam, Van der Hoorn, Nuytinck, Van Aanholt; Clasie, Trindade (Maher, 71’), Fer; Josefzoom, Hoesen & Depay.


Goals: 1-0 (26’) Morata. 2-0 (32’) Isco. 3-0 (90’) Álvaro Vázquez.

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SPAIN 1 GERMANY 0 | U-21 EURO CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP RESULT

Excellent match & a great victory for the Spanish Football U-21 National Team 0 - 1 over Germany in their second Group game. Important victory that puts Spain in equal top position with Holland,  & both will play mid-week to settle the Group.

A deserved victory as Spain played much better than Germany which was on the back-foot  most of the game. Spain hit the post via Thiago in the first half & the Germans managed to stay sticky, rugged & defended well to keep things even.

The second half Spain took things over & created multiple chances but were unlucky not to finish things off. Again history repeated itself for Spain with young Morata coming on to substitute Rodrigo around the 70th min mark did his magic. It was Morata in a brilliant piece of individual play down the wing & into the goal square scored in the 86th min to put Spain ahead & give the eventual winner. Something that Morata did against Russia & towards the end of that game as well. 

Summarizing, Spain look good & have an outstanding midfield with Thiago & Isco doing magic & look very solid in defence with Barça experienced players Bartha & Montoya looking fine. In fact , all the U-21 Spanish players are looking good & have a good chance of continuing their advance in the Euro Championships. Next match Holland.

Match details:

GERMANY 0:
Bern Leno; Sorg, Ginter, Thesker, Jantschke; Rudy (Rüdiger, minuto 82), Volland, Rode (Emre Can, minuto 70), Holtby, Hermann (Lasogga, min 64) & Clemens
SPAIN 1:
De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Iñigo Martínez, Alberto Moreno; Illarramendi, Koke, Tello (Muniain, minuto 85), Thiago, Isco (Camacho, minuto 89) & Rodrigo (Morata, minuto 72).
GOALS:
1-0, Morata, 86 min.

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SPAIN 1 RUSSIA 0 | UEFA U-21 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP RESULT

The Spanish U-21 National Team & current U-21 European Champions began the defence of their title this afternoon in their opening Group match of the UEFA U-21 European Championships in Israel. Their opponents were Russia & the Spanish team managed to win 1 - 0. The Group is a difficult one with Germany & Holland also involved & a win with the three points was very important for Spain.

There was "opening game" nerves but Spain began to take control as the match went on. The Russians was solid in defence & played the counter-attacking card which frustrated the Spaniards most of the encounter. 

Mid second-half Spain changed midfielder Muniain for a forward in Morata & this gave Spain a reference point that added alternatives & gave options up front. In the 82nd min a free kick from Thiago found the head of Morata that put Spain ahead & eventually turned out to be the winner.

The MVP was awarded to Spanish & Malaga FC midfieder Isco who was very good, with a special mention also from my part to Thiago Alcantara who was solid & commanding, both holding the midfield. 

Match details:

SPAIN- 1:
De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Iñigo Martínez, Alberto Moreno; Illarramendi; Tello, (Koke, min 84), Isco, Thiago, Muniain (Morata, minuto 63) & Rodrigo (Canales, min. 77)
RUSSIA - 0:
Zabotolini; Chicherin, Burlak, Belyaev, Schennikov; Tsallagov (Kirillov, min. 79); Bibilov (Grigoryev min. 46), Shatov, Petrov, Yahoovlev & Cheryshev (Kanunnikov, minuto 58)

GOALS:1-0; Morata min. 82

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U - 21 SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM PICTURE

Thought I post for the Spanish Football fans & readers a pic of the Spanish U-21 National squad. The team is currently in Israel about to commence their Group matches in the UEFA U-21 European Championship.

Spain is the current title holder but has a difficult Group with Russia, Germany & Holland. Said this the squad is full of Liga experienced players & their is some exceptional talent available like De Gea, Isco, Carvajal, Canales, Koke, Montoya, Thiago, Muniain etc & etc.  

We wish the boys all the luck & that they can go along way in the U-21 Euros. 

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EURO U-21 CHAMPIONSHIP ISRAEL | FULL LIST OF SPANISH NATIONAL SQUAD PLAYERS

The Spanish U- 21 National Team Selector & Coach Julen Lopetegui has handed in today his list of players that will make up the U- 21 Spanish Football Team for the upcoming U-21 European Championships to be held in Israel during the days 5 - 18 of June.

Spain will be defending title & put forward on paper a powerful squad full of full-time experienced players in top league Clubs around Europe.

Here is the full list of players that makes up the U-21 Spanish National Football squad: 

-Goalkeepers: De Gea (Manchester United), Joel (Wigan), Mariño (Villarreal).

-Defenders: Nacho (Real Madrid), Montoya, Bartra y Muniesa (FC Barcelona), Íñigo Martínez (Real Sociedad), Alberto (Sevilla), Carvajal (Leverkusen) & Álvaro González (Zaragoza).

-Midfielders: Koke (Atlético), Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Thiago (FC Barcelona), Isco y Camacho (Málaga), Muniain (Athletic), Sarabia (Getafe) & Canales (Valencia).


-Forwards: Morata (Real Madrid), Tello (FC Barcelona), Rodrigo (Benfica), Álvaro Vázquez (Getafe).

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EURO U- 21 QUALIFIER | SPAIN 5 DENMARK 0

Excellent night for the SPANISH U-21 NATIONAL TEAM & in particular for foward RODRIGO who managed a bag full of goals. SPAIN defeated DENMARK 5 - 0 in the play off elimination qualifier home match for the upcoming European Championships Finals in Israel

Rodrigo scores

Spanish forward RODRIGO scored a HAT-TRICK with four goals, in the 14th - 17th - 20th & 66th min, with Malaga player ISCO scoring the fifth in the 79th min. A game totally dominated by Spain that cancelled out the Danes & when they were dangerous Spanish goalie De Gea made important saves. 

Spain now goes into the upcoming away match with 100% security & with great chances of qualifying for Isreal. 

Starting 11 of both sides:

SPAIN 5 : De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, I. Martinez, Plana; Oriol, Illarramendi; Isco, Muniain, Tello & Rodrigo

DENMARK 0 : Ronnow; Fenger, Vastergaard, Jorgensen, Kirkeskov; Albaek, Delaney, Christiansen, Kusk; Emil Larsen & Helenius

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EURO U - 21 GROUP QUALIFIER | SPAIN 3 SWITZERLAND 0

The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL U-21 TEAM is on good course towards attempting to qualify for the 2013 European U-21 Championships after defeating SWITZERLAND 3 - 0 in their Group match.

Spain celebrate a goal

Switzerland on paper are possibly the more difficult team of the Group for Spain, but goals from MUNIAIN in the 8th min, THIAGO via a penalty in the 25th min & BARTRA in the +45th min sealed the game & the three points. Spain had on average a ball possession percentage of 70%.

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EURO U - 21 GROUP 5 QUALIFIER | CROATIA 0 SPAIN 2

European U-21 Football action tonight with Group qualifiers with the SPANISH U-21 FOOTBALL NATIONAL TEAM playing CROATIA away & winning 0 - 2. It is Spains third straight Group 5 victory that gives them 9 points & 9 goals.The qualifiers are for the 2013 European Championship Finals places & Spain is currently in a privileged position.

The Spanish side dominated most of the game with touch Football & when the spaces appeared they took full advantage with goals from KOKE & RODRIGO.

Tomorrow the "seniors" (Spanish A-side) & current World Champions go on stage in Prague against the Czech Rep in their Euro Group qualifier.

Spanish U-21 Football player Muniain

Details:

Croatia - 0: Kalinic; Antolic, Pavlovic, Kelic, Zuparic; Situm, Brozovic (Kukoc, m. 70), Puncec (Vujcevic, m. 46), Cop; Kovacic & Vukusic (Lendric, m. 58).


Spain - 2: De Gea; Martín Montoya, Amat, Íñigo Martínez, Planas; Oriol Romeu, Koke; Canales (Pacheco, m. 87), Isco (Juan Carlos, m. 73), Muniaín; & Rodrigo (Álvaro Vázquez, m. 79).


Goals: 0-1, m. 18: Koke. 0-2, m. 57: Rodrigo.

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