Friday, May 18th, 2012
Spain U-17’s came back from a goal down to beat Belgium 3-1 with much owing to a mesmerising performance from Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu.
Coach Ginés Meléndez had seen his side fall unfortunately behind after being in the ascendancy for the whole first half, when despite all the possession they couldn’t create any real clear-cut chances as Belgium persevered in their defensive duties.
Much of the time it was last-ditch challenges from the hosts, who were being put under constant pressure mainly from the left side – exactly where Deulofeu was operating from. The young Barcelona player was causing absolute chaos throughout the half, as he constantly tricked and teased his full-back and covering players. Time and time again he was beating 2 and 3 men at the same time, and on each occasion having end product with a shot on goal or delivery.
Despite the positives he was guilty at times of overdoing things, something which can’t be criticised too harshly given age and experience. Hopefully Meléndez can have a word with him before the next game, and tell the winger to perhaps release the ball more often.
The opener did go to Belgium however, who tended to use a more direct approach their players who had obviously ability in the air. A deep ball was played into the area and goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero eagerly rushed out catch the ball, only to be beaten by Umberto Carvalho who got between two defenders to head home.
Sven Dhoest was having an excellent game for Belgium after the goal, as Spain’s intensity only increased this time with more action in the goalmouth as Dhoest had to be alert on several occasions.
After another excellent Deulofeu run which he took 3 players out of the game, a cross was poorly cleared from the area only as far as Moisés Gómez who shot through a number of bodies to level the game. The roar went up from the young Spaniards, who went looking for a winner and found it soon after through a most deserving source.
Deulofeu scored the goal which gave the Spanish a much deserved lead; it was almost apt considering just how dominant on proceedings he’d been. The dart he had made so often during the match in from the left occurred again, this time being followed by a simple side footed finish.
With that the Belgians looked to respond swiftly, but ended up falling further behind on the counter attack. Federico Vico Villegas had come on as a substitute earlier on, and along with Deulofeu had given Spain far more impetus in attack. Vico Villegas picked up the ball from the counter, swiveled on the edge of the area before cutting in and finishing well on the turn with great composure.
Meléndez and his bright young things next face Northern Ireland on Monday.
FT: Belgium 1 – Spain 3
Alfonso Herrero, Oscar Arroyo, Carlos Garrido, Iván Saez, Saúl Ñíguez, Raúl De Tomas (Hernández, 55), Denis Suárez, Pablo Iñiguez (Moisés, 50), Iker Undabarrena (Vico Villegas, 63), Gerard Deulofeu y Diego Caballo
Tags: Barcelona, Belgium, Deulofeu, Spain, U-17, Under 17, Vico Villegas
