The cruelest end for Spain

39 years later, history repeated itself. England lost again Spain (1-0) in the European Sub-21 final to be crowned champion of the category for the third time in its history. And, this time, he did it in the cruelest way. Thanks to a sad goal from Curtis Jonesillegally embedded in the Spanish barrier, and then Abel Ruiz missed a penalty in the last minute of added time that could have forced extra time. Merciless peak for one of the benchmarks of a generation of players that, along with santi deniaopted for an unprecedented triple continental crown (Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21).

Despite the fact that in the previous one he said that he was “thinking about the eleven”, the Spanish coach chose for his trusted team, the one that lost Croatia (1-0) in the group stage and in Switzerland (2-1) and Ukraine (5-1) in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. In Victor Gomez in front of Arnau Martinez on the right side and players want Gabri Veiga, Aimar Oroz either Rodrigo Riquelme forming a more popular bank. On the English side, only one change regarding the ‘semis’ duel against Israel (0-3): that of Max Aaronsreturn after punishment, for Luke Thomass on the left side. He stayed outside again Noni Maduekestarter in the first four matches of the competition, being Cole Palmer, Gibbs-White and Smith Rowe the squires of Anthony Gordonleading those of lee carlsey.

From the attacker’s boots Newcastle United, who was named MVP of the tournament, left the first chances of danger for the ‘pross’. Five minutes later, he was shaping until he found a shooting position and took a cross shot that he deflected, as best he could, Arnau Tenasthat denial did not succeed in the slightest palmers. A few seconds later, Gordon again made mischief starting from the left side and only the miraculous intervention of Jon Pacheco suppressed Gibbs-Whitewith the stick ready, will mark the scoreboard.

La Rojita responded with two shots of Alex Baena that they did not see the three sticks and the first was on the head of Aitor Paredes, whose header in the 19′ they sang as a goal on the Spanish bench. Can’t be combined like before, the sa santi denia constantly threatening at set pieces, with Sergio Gomez as the main protagonist. Exactly in a strategy game, England’s clearest came before the goal, with Colwill heading against the right post of you had a service of palmersstarred in the controversial both Jones.

Baenaoverexcited at times, lost the ball in midfield which ended in Sergio Gomez committing a foul in front of palmershis partner in City of Manchester and executor of a direct free kick that led to 1-0 after play Jones. An action that should be invalid.

Abel Ruiz goal disallowed

Despite the heavy blow, Spain he composed himself after going through the locker room and achieved the seemingly impossible, overcoming the insurmountable James Trafford, who left Romania and Georgia without conceding a single goal. The joy lasted only a few moments, from then on Abel Ruiz he was ahead when the umpteenth ‘candy’ of the Sergio Gomez.

In Veiga, Oroz and Riquelme in green and you had saving furniture in the back, Sergio gomez and Abel Ruiz They combined again in the 68′ to create the clearest of the endless chances he had Spain in the second half of the clear red dominance.

England he expected his on the counter and he had it in the 89′, with a double chance already palmers and Madueke who saved again Arnau Tenas, by far the best Spanish of the afternoon. And when all seemed to be doomed, a small hole was opened in hope. Colwill hit Abel Ruiz within the area and the norwegian espen eskaas decided a penalty at the VAR’s request. That was the last one.

The man from Almufases, courageous, took on the responsibility of launching the ultimate punishment, but was run over Trafford. The doorman who belongs to citywhich will certainly earn him this summer, guessed the intentions of Abel and stopped a second shot from ricewith the camel sending his second rejection into limbo. The cruelest finish for La Rojita, who was on the verge of a beating Italyare also five-time European champions in the category, thus becoming the most awarded Under-21 team at a continental level.

ENGLAND

10

England:Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Max Aarons; Angel Gomes (Skipp, 73′), Curtis Jones; Cole Palmer (Harvey Elliott, 82′), Gibbs-White, Smith-Rowe (Madueke, 66′) and Gordon (Doyle, 82′)
The
Spain: Arnau Tenás; Víctor Gómez (Barrenetxea, 73′), Paredes, Pacheco, Miranda; Antonio Blanco (Camel, 83′), Álex Baena (Aimar Oroz, 59′); Rodri Sánchez (Riquelme, 59′), Sancet (Gabri Veiga, 59′), Sergio Gómez and Abel Ruiz
The
ThePurpose: 1-0, Palmer (45+4′)

viewers: About 20,000 in Batumi Arena

Referee: Espen Eskaas (Norway). He booked Angel Gomes (24′), Baena (34′), Colwill (45+6′), Sancet (45+6′), Oroz (62′) and Riquelme (86′). He sent off Blanco (90+10′) and Gibbs-White (90+10′) for a double yellow.

see the match sheet