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Jese Rodriguez and Gerrard Deulofeu are two promising players for the future of Spanish football. They were both influential in Spain U19’s penalty shoot-out victory over France U19 in the semi-finals.
Deulofeu netted two goals and scored the winning spot kick. Jese also did not miss his penalty. Once again, the Spain U19 squad will be hoping that these two players in particular live up to expectations in the 2012 UEFA U19 European Championship final.
The Spaniards know what is at stake. In a few years’ time, the world could be talking about some of the current U19 players as heroes of an entire population on the major stage.
However, the task at hand is difficult; at this junior level, Greece are no underdogs even in Spain are favourites to take away the 2012 UEFA U19 European Championship crown.
Earlier in the tournament, Greece and Spain met. The later held on to a couple of first-half goals and won the game 2-1. The Greeks might have learned from their mistake. Jese, who opened the scoring sheet in that match, is a player they will need to mark.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Greece U19’s coach will be counting on the services of his effective strikers to trouble Spain U19’s backline. Diamantakos and Katidis have six goals between them at the tournament and their input could upset the Spaniards.
Which country will participate at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup as European champions?
