Spain are already in their preferred location: the final of a UEFA European Under-19 Championship. La Rojita have dominated in few youth categories as much as they have with this one and few groups have deserved the title as much as this current crop. Since the first day of the tournament, coach Luis de la Fuente has had to respond to questions from foreign journalists about the lack of experience the Spanish players have had in La Liga. His response was always the same: “Our strength is the group”.
The Spaniards and the Russians arrive at the final with a precedent from the group stage. Back then, Russia comfortably won 3-1 and something became evident: Spain play better under pressure. Since then, La Rojita came through their all-or-nothing tests against Holland and France.
The defeats often show more than the victories and that clash should serve to remind Spain to avoid making the same mistakes. Russia beat La Rojita on the counter, relying on the physical superiority of their footballers, who have already started the season. Spain must keep their lines tight to avoid being worn down.
De la Fuente will place his faith once again in the 11 players that beat France in the last four although Jesús Vallejo, who has discomfort in his hamstring, will arrive just in time. Dani Ceballos will once again be the key between the lines and Marco Asensio, who had six fantastic and decisive minutes against France, will finally hope to attain regularity during the 90 minutes. Alfonso Pedraza will also have special importance – he lost a match in the group stage due to suspension and he is a key player on the left due to his mobility and constant forward runs.
Finally, Spain will rely upon the Borja Mayoral factor. The Real Madrid youngster has gone two matches without a goal and is exhausted as he has not had a break and currently has discomfort in his ankle. A wounded predator always becomes more dangerous and less predictable. Mayoral is hungry for a goal and Spain are eager to return to their throne. Only one step separates this group of friends from glory.
It will be the seventh title for the Spanish national team
Spain will achieve something historic today (Sunday) if they win the title. This UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which was born in 2002, is currently coming toward the end of its 14th edition. Spain’s dominance has been overwhelming: they have taken part in seven of the 13 finals that have been held and they have won the title six times. Therefore, this will be another final for Spain and a win would take them up to seven titles (from 14 held). This contrasts with the case of Russia, who will take part in their first Under-19 final in their history. This generation of young Russians won the European Under-17 Championship two years ago, so they already have experience of these types of encounters.