Spain, women’s European Under-19 champion

2023-07-30 20:32:18

The Spanish U-19 women’s soccer team was once again proclaimed European champion by defeating Germany in the final held in Leuven (0-0, 3-2 pen.). The national team won the title in this category for the fifth time in a very even match in which there were no goals and it was decided in a penalty shootout. Meritxell Font was key with two saves in the three errors made by the Germans.

The battle was arduous from the initial whistle. Both teams started the match very well planted and with the idea of ​​dominating the opponent. The reins of the game were turning from the Spanish side to the German side, both teams enjoying chances to open the scoring. However, after a very competitive first half, the break time was reached with everything to be decided.

After passing through the changing rooms, Germany put one more gear into the rhythm of the game. Kathrin Peter’s team made things difficult by taking the ball from Spain and had clear approaches that Txell Font cut short. Fortunately, the national team knew how to resist this onslaught and got fully involved in the game through possession of the ball, although the battle was far from over.

The negative point of the final was put by Wifi’s injury. The Andalusian, a few minutes after joining the field of play, had to go out on a stretcher due to an unfortunate action in which she was fighting for the ball with Janzen.

At the end of the 90 regulatory minutes it was reached with a zero tie. However, moments before the referee’s whistle, Corrales had the clearest chance of the final in his boots. The Balearic soccer player went like a bullet towards the rival area and her subtle definition ended up repelled by the wood.

The extra time brought with it more nerves and inaccuracies by both teams for fear of losing the match due to an error. Spain tried until the end, but the European Championship would be decided in a penalty shootout. And in the same way that happened in the semifinals, Txell established himself as the heroine. Olaya, Silvia Lloris and Erika González scored their goals and the goalkeeper thwarted the chances of Diehm -with the help of the stick- and Bartz. On the decisive pitch, Deutsch would throw her off her and the Spanish would raise her arms. With this victory they culminate the feat of winning two consecutive European Championships and add the fifth to their showcases.