| International Matches - Under 19 | |
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Spain 2 - Scotland 1 Spain: Adán;
Barragán, Marc Valiente, Piqué, Canella; Toni (Jeffrén
72'), Javi García, Mario Suárez, Diego Capel (Esteban Granero
86'); Mata, Bueno. 4-4-2. Goals: 1-0. 50. Bueno; 2-0. 71. Bueno; 2-1. 86. Dorrans. Report from our special correspondent Spain won the under 19 European title for the third time in five years after beating Scotland 2-1. The youngsters had already beaten their opponents 4-0 at the group stage, and with Scotland's first choice attackers Fletcher and Snodgrass both suspended, Spain were clear favourites to win. But they found themselves up against a determined rival, and Adán had to be at his best to keep out Elliot early on. Gradually though Ginés Meléndez's side took over command, with McNeil having to save from Barragán and Capel, and Mario Suárez firing a dipping volley just over the bar. And five minutes in to the second half they made the breakthrough, Bueno picking up a return pass from Mata to lob the keeper from outside of the area. After that Spain pushed forward looking for more, McNeil keeping out a shot from Toni, and Piqué heading Mata's corner kick against the bar. And with twenty minutes to go Bueno got his second of the evening and his fifth of the competition after Piqué laid across Mata's long free kick, taking him level with Turkey's Parlak as the tournament's top scorer. Scotland carried on fighting however, and McGlinchey and Ferry both went close before substitute Dorrans headed one back with four minutes to go. And there were some nervous moments as the blue shirts flooded in to Adán's area before the referee blew the final whistle. Spain had done enough though, and once again one of their youth sides had succeeded where the seniors had failed. If they ever work out how to keep the momentum going in to adulthood they will be world beaters! |
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