Advertisement
Morata is congratulated by Marcelo as he makes his first-team debut for Real Madrid. Alvaro Barrientos/AP/Press Association Images
Young Guns

Introducing Ireland's next U19 opponents... Spain

As Paul Doolin’s side prepare for the tomorrow’s semi-final in Romania, we assess their opponents, the tournament favourites.

AS IRELAND U19s celebrated progressing to the European Championships semi-final following a 0-0 group stage draw with Romania, attention immediately turned to their next opponents: Spain.

The Spaniards are the only team left preventing Ireland from getting the opportunity to mimic the achievement of their 1998 counterparts, who defeated Italy to win the competition. Therefore, we present to you a brief guide detailing everything you need to know about Julen Lopetegui’s men…

How have they performed in the Championship historically speaking?

Fairly well. Since the tournament was changed from an U17 to an U19 format in 2002, they have won on four out of nine possible occasions. In addition, they reached the final last year, only to lose out 2-1 against hosts France.

Past winners of the Golden Boot award at the tournament include Fernando Torres, Liverpool’s Daniel Pacheco and er, Alberto Bueno, who now plays for Real Valladolid and spent last season on loan at Derby County.

Current Arsenal target Juan Mata is their all-time top goalscorer, having scored 12 times between 2006 and 2007.

How have they been playing this year?

Quite impressively. They virtually breezed through the group stages, winning their first two matches 4-1 and 4-0 against Belgium and Serbia respectively.

However, there is hope for Ireland yet. The Spaniards were uncharacteristically awful in their final group game, losing 3-0 to Turkey. Nonetheless, they had already qualified prior to the game and so, elected to field a weakened line-up.

What are their strengths and weaknesses?

Alvaro Morata is clearly one of their biggest threats. The Real Madrid man, who made his debut for the club’s first team last December, was rested for the Turkey game. However, he has scored four times in the previous two games, including a hat-trick in the first match against Serbia.

Elsewhere, Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu is being tipped as the next big thing, though unlike Morata, he has yet to score in the tournament so far.

Yet despite their wealth of attacking talent, they appear to be less sound defensively, with three of their regular back four starting in the 3-0 humbling by Turkey in a game which included two own goals from Spanish players.

Where and when can I see the game?

RTÉ will be showing live coverage of the match from 6.30pm onwards on Friday.

Ireland U19s march on after scoreless draw in Romania>

In pictures: Ireland U19s book semi-final spot>