Friday, May 18th, 2012
Spain U-21’s were narrowly beaten by France’s equivalent side 3-2 in the Stade Auguste Delaune, Reims this evening.
In the end Spain’s lack of defensive discipline and midfield disarray proved to be their downfall, despite perhaps having the more ‘bigger’ names on the team sheet.
Sergio Canales and Captain Fran Mérida were the most senior players on the pitch, but it was to be the lack of protection offered behind them that let the French in.
The early going had Spain seeing lots of the ball, as attempted to dictate from the middle while Merida and Juan Carlos worked the wide areas to decent affect.
Juan Carlos had the best chance for the Spanish inside the opening 5 minutes, but soon afterwards the hosts took the lead. Good pressing in midfield by Antoine Griezmann, a familiar face to many on the field in red, saw the ball fall to Henri Saivet who knocked a first time ball through to Riviére who slotted past Mariño in goal.
The second came nearly straight away, when a poorly defended corner lead to a mix-up in the Spanish area – failing to clear their lines lead Riviére to pounce again for a brace. Mérida was probably to blame, as he had a good opportunity to get the ball away but failed to do so.
It was to get worse too, when France went three up after some tidy work by Saivet on the left-hand side of the area, keeping the ball close before crossing in for Gueye who headed home right down the middle.
Two minutes later, Spain responded after moment of disarray on the French area, as keeper Gorgelin charged out of the area only to be lobbed by Mérida who was waiting on the edge of the area.
An already tough task got more so before half-time, when Juan Carlos was sent off harshly for a lunge in midfield – a yellow at best in all honesty.
In the second half France was happy to let Spain have the ball, as they imposed themselves on proceedings in a fair, physical manner when needs be. Spain’s efforts with ten men were admirable, and they did make a good effort to get the scores level.
Another error from Gorgelin allowed Ríos to pounce, as the game grew tighter. Canales saw a free-kick crash off the bar, while substitute Asier Illarramendi had a decent effort stopped.
Too little too late in the end, for a Spanish side who lacked cohesion and seemed to lack the physical prowess of France.
Spain: Mariño (Robles, 46); Mario, Bartra, Ayala, Nacho; Camacho (Illarmendi, 46), Recio (Ríos, 58), Mérida (Pacheco, 46), Juan Carlos; Álvaro Vázquez (Falqué, 75), Canales.
FT: France 3 – Spain 2 (Merida 37, Ríos 60)
Tags: Canales, France, Griezmann, Spain, U-21, Under 21
