Spain vs Italy a few quick Under 21 thoughts
Dan Tracey
June 28, 2017
1,824 Views
- We now know the makeup of the UEFA Under 21 European Championships as Germany who disposed of England on penalties (surprise, surprise) will go head to head with Spain
- It was a case of ‘Better Call Saul’ as the Atletico Madrid midfielder was the decisive factor in last nights tie with Italy
- It was his hat-trick which was ultimately the difference and one that sees Albert Celades’ young side go head to head with Stefan Kuntz’s side on Friday night
- Spain keep the 100% record in the competition and in the four wins that they have picked up they have only conceded twice
- While averaging 3 goals a game on their way to the final
- That will make pretty ominous reading for the young German side
- Not only that but they will have to go head to head with the two top scorers in the tournament so far
- Going into the game Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio was the top scorer with three goals to his names
- But that has now been usurped by his compatriot Saul he goes to the top of the scoring charts with five goals
- Last night’s encounter with Italy did not get going until the second half
- But when it did finally wake up the game very much caught alight
- Saul’s first goal of the game would come around on the 53rd minute when he slotted home from close range after a neat build up
- That Spanish lead would only last nine minutes when Federico Bernardeschi’s deflected shot leveled proceedings at one goal a piece
- It was the Italian’s second goal in successive matches after his winner against Germany last Saturday night
- That goal came despite the Italian’s being reduced to 10 men just moments earlier
- Roberto Gagliardini was sent off for two bookable offences just before the hour and although Italy had restored parity you did wonder just how they could cope with Spain having numerical superiority on the pitch
- The answer to that though was they could not and Saul made sure of that with his second goal of the game
- This came just three minutes after Italy’s equaliser and was the pick of the bunch
- He let fly from fully 30 yards and there was nothing that AC Milan contract rebel Gianluigi Donnarumma could do about it as the ball flew past him and into the back of the net
- That goal took the wind out of the Italian sails and Saul would put his exclamation mark on the game when he completed his hat-trick
- With 16 minutes remaining he turned home a cross from Marco Asensio with a first time finish to secure Spain’s place in the final on Friday
- Italy will wonder what if had they finished the game with 10 men but there is no understated how well Spain played last night and they will surely go into the tie with Germany as favourites to win the competition.
- We will now have to wait and see if the outcome goes with the form book or whether there is something of a relative upset.
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