Day two of The UEFA European Under 19 Championship’s got under way this afternoon, with Kieran Gibbs’s England taking on the Italians, and Fran Merida’s Spain up against the surprise package in Hungary.
Kieran Gibbs started the game. [Match Report To Follow]
Fran Mérida started the game as a left midfield play-maker in a 4-3-3, and played 65 minutes as Spain went crashing out of the competition. Olivér Nagy’s late strike condemned the holders to defeat, and booked Hungary’s place in the knock out rounds.
Scroll down for full reports on both fixtures.
Spain 0-1 Hungary
After missing the opening game against Germany, Fran Mérida returned to the Spain team this afternoon taking his position on the left hand side of a 4-3-3, as the Spanish looked to notch important points against the tournament’s surprise package Hungary.
The Arsenal youngster took the number 16 shirt, and began the game well as both sides looked to impose their different styles. It was Spain who worked the first major opening, with Emilio Nsue thrashing a right footed drive across the face of the goal. On the counter-attack Hungary were always looking good value for a goal, with Liverpool striker Krisztián Németh causing the holders defensive worries.
Everything good about Spain was running through Mérida. He played a neat 1-2 pass on the left wing, before cutting inside and going down in the box, the referee waved away the small protests.
Spain then opted to keep the ball, and try and draw their opponents out. But a poor Camacho pass set up a Hungary break, only for Nemeth to be judged as offside. However, this attack inspired them and they tried to press the Spanish back, with Németh nearly slotting in after David de Gea parried a low shot.
Hungary were looking rampant, and should have bagged the opener as Németh floated his header just wide. But back came Spain, Emilio Nsue bullied his way through before crashing a powerful drive inches over the cross-bar.
Mérida was composed in the middle of the park, and whipped in a superb corner right onto the head of the arriving Iván Bolado, who flicked his effort wide. The end-to-end play was certainly exciting as the fixture approached half time.
It was going to take something a little different, or inventive to snatch the lead for either side, and it was Spain who nearly achieved it. Daniel Parejo rolled his free-kick short to Mérida, who controlled expertly before wrapping his left foot around the ball only to see it fly into the stand.
The half finished with Fran showing his excellent ability to find space, and some stunning ball control after riding two slide tackles. But his team mates lacked the cohesion needed, and the first 45 minutes ended goal less.
Half Time – Spain 0-0 Hungary
Fran was instantly involved in the second period of the game, as substitute Jordi Alba failed to control under pressure, Merida nicked the ball away before being tackled himself. The 18 year old was showing all the qualities needed to boss the midfield.
The next 10 minutes would descent into nothing as both sides tried to probe each other with little effect. Mérida then rolled his marker and placed Alba in down the left flank, but he was out muscled and the danger was cleared. The frustration on everybodys faces was clear to see.
Parejo had dropped deeper and left all creative responsibilities to the Arsenal man, who was often doubled up on. With 65 minutes on the clock Fran was withdrawn in place of Daniel Aquino, as Spain went all out for the victory.
With the game entering its decisive period, two attacks could have given either side a slender advantage. First Aarón Ñíguez volleyed at the goalkeeper, before Krisztián Németh broke away and curled inches over the cross-bar.
The goal would eventually arrive, and the strike would send shock waves throughout youth football. Olivér Nagy tapped home to give Hungary the lead in the 70th minute, meaning the most successful side in Under 19 football were going crashing out.
Reality hit home and Spain came thumping back. The giant Nsue was dumped over after going through 1-1 with the goalkeeper. Then an incredible move should have brought the equaliser, with Alba and Nsue working Péter Gulácsi as Hungary held on.
Aarón tricked his way down the flank with Nsue waiting in the middle, but the pass never came and his low cross was simple work for Gulácsi. Nsue was then left in tears after racing clear but firing low and into the keepers’ grasp.
It would prove to be the final action of the game, as Spain go crashing out of the competition.
Full Time – Spain 0-1 Hungary
England 0-0 Italy
Kieran Gibbs kept his place in the England starting line up as Brian Eastick tired to engineer his side a vital win against Italy. A defeat would see another of the pre tournament favourites out, and Eastick shuffled his pack with Victor Moses and Benjamin Mee replacing Scott Sinclair and Daniel Gosling.
Daniel Button had a difficult opening game against the Czech Republic, and was forced into an early save from Okaka Chuka as the Italian’s tried to push England on to the back foot. Daniel Sturridge hit back with a low shot before Gibbs got revenge on Okaka Chuka with a late tackle.
Freddie Sears admitted his rise to stardom has amazed even himself, and the young Hammers hit-man nearly bagged a crucial goal, only to see his shot fly over. Kieran Gibbs then showed his magic, and saw his craftsmanship work an effort which flew off the bar. England were beginning to press home their dominance.
Okaka Chuka and Rose would both work each others goalkeepers, before the game became dogged with fouls. Bonaventura brought a save from Button following a free kick as half time closed in.
Half Time – England 0-0 Italy
A rejuvenated England returned for the second half, but once more the game became stop-start with fouling. Bonaventura on Gibbs, Cork on Bonaventura, Moses on Bruscagin, all destroyed the previous flowing attacking play.
Danny Rose’s corner found Sturridge, who saw his shot grabbed by Fiorillo. The attacking manner had now returned, with Italy trying to unhinge the English back four, only for Okaka Chuka to be flagged offside. Albertazzi was then introduced with 30 minutes left, and the Arsenal winger Gibbs nearly put them behind with his low shot, which trickled wide.
Crystal Palace winger Victor Moses worked an opening, but with still no goals Eastick rotated once more. Delph came on for Rose, and Scott Sinclair for Freddie Sears, as the teams entered stoppage time.
The game ended goal less, meaning it’s all up hill now if Kieran Gibbs will be remaning in the tournament.
Full Time – England 0-0 Italy
Article By – J.Sanderson
Merida was wearing No.16 J
Thank you Rashid (Y)
I aint just saying this for obvious reasons but Fran was a different class to anything else on the pitch. Very assured in his play as always. Never seen him have a poor game. I would like him to be promoted to the first team next year…he has a phenomenal creative mind and the passing accuracy is out of this world. Needs to improve his tackling a little though. Got sunstituted cos he aint quite match fit yet and still the best player on the pitch by a mile. Juve can bid £10m for him, he aint going nowhere!
TJ – top comment mate. Fran’s passing is top notch, and he has bulked up loads since last year.
Btw Gibbs just hit the bar for England
Assuming Marida lacks the defensive discipline to form a partnership with Fabregas in the middle of the park, where do you see him fitting in to the current side? Do you think he would be effective on the left of a four man midfield, or do you see him as an alternative to cesc?
The questions directed at J, but anyone welcome to respond
wow… thank TJ. really hope that he is really as goood as what you described. i have seen many people compliment Gibbs, but i am not as impressed as they are. will try to watch the replay when Eurosports shows it again. Thanks for the update. :)
Hungary is very-very good. Arséne should sign some Hungarians to the Reserves.
Hungary aint that good Attila…just very organised. Their two best players (well the most impressive looking anyway) are the keeper (Liverpool) and their striker Nemeth (also Liverpool). Even though Nemeth didnt look too good (all right-footed). Spain should have won…they were too wasteful in the final third a bit like us at times.
J, or anyone for that matter, where u lot watching England? Is it finished yet?
It’s a shame Németh plays in Liverpool,would be a great signing otherwise.
Apparently there is a rumour that Juve are sniffing around for Fran… anyone got any news on that one?
England still 0-0, the game has decended into constant fouling. Nemeth is a really exciting talent, just needs to get a little bit stronger.
Dave –
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/juventus-to-scout-arsenals-spanish-starlet-merida/
Apparently they’re planning on making a £3m bid David mate…i laughed so hard when i heard that…i think Ranieri has lost his mind if he thinks he stands a chance of getting a bid anywhere in that region accepted for him…
Nemeth is no better than any player we already have.
Juve must be kidding – Fran looks ready for our first team, not as a regular but similar to how Walcott has been integrated over the last couple of seasons.
I disagree Passenal, he is a poacher and a excellent finisher, but also makes goals and works hard outside the box. He has it all in his locker.
Agree with the Merida comment.
Yeah, Nemeth is a better version of Rui Fonte, and younger!
Kieran Gibbs report added up now :)
Looking forward to seeing Fran play for the Arsenal this season JS do you expect to see Fran starting the carling cup fixtures this year rather than coming of the bench for them?
Agree with the Merida comment too Passenal…needs to be brought in slowly. U probably seen Nemeth play more times than me J but he was quite poor today…thats all i have seen of him. However, i know he had a decent first season in the Liverpool reserves. If u can J, find out what the plans are for Merida this season mate…
England have suffered badly because Henri Lansbury and Rhys Murphy were not fit enough to be picked.Lansbury is the star of the England u19’s even though he is playing 2yrs above his age group.
TJ – From what i understand, is he will be granted the chance to fight for a first team place.
Sure clubs will be interested, but he is a top player and its testiment to his talents that at 18 huge clubs are after him.
I would like to know what the England coaches have against Mark Randell because he could not do any worse in our midfield that the current players we have in there IMO
I was at Underhill on the day that Denilson made his debut. He was in the centre of midfield, Merida on the left and Randall on the right. They were all superb. The young Enlishman lacking nothing by comaprison techically. But Merida had it all, disguised passes, drift through the air, like Shane Warne with a football. If he has bulked up we could have some player there.
Re JS
‘As flies to wanton boys are we to JS he kills us for his sport’ I’ve been swatted a couple of time already!! An old Peter Storey jockstrap if you know where that quote is from – you can be intellectual and a football fan you know.
sport’
hope he gets into the first team enjoyy his style of play similar to fabregas but with a bit more pace
seems like the speculation over barry going to us could be serious after villa spoke with pat rice and and itis everywhere these last few days looks like hoyte on his way out if it goes through
I live with two Liverpool supporters so when they should one of their friendlies on channel 5 yesterday, it was on. And I have to say: their youths are shockingly bad. I know it was a friendly but if they are going to try and emulate what we did when building a stadium, they are gonna become a midtable side. There are no Steven Gerrards coming through, no wonder they are still asking for big name signings even though they can’t afford it. This Nemeth fella might buck the trend but it seems that Rafa doesn’t know how to pick youths and i’m pretty certain he won’t play them (ok, he played that plessis kid against us but he didn’t turn out to be a cesc now did he?)
Daniel Pacheco is another who has a big future ahead of him.
But Leto is poor, very poor.
Lloyd the Gooner – You are a very interesting man, and you clearly know your stuff. Excellent to have you here.
As for your comment, it is from Shakespeare, dont ask me which one!. See, i did pay attention in school ;)
Samuel,
That’s interesting because so many Liverpool supporters I know insist that they have quality youth players and that Rafa could be as good as Wenger in bringing them through he just needs more time. Some of them seem really intent on convincing themselves that Rafa is to Liverpool what Wenger is to Arsenal and Fergie to United.
But what’s weird is that they always brag about Nemeth who seems to score a lot. Yet when I looked him up he’s already 19 and Rafa doesn’t seem to want to use him.
Nin – I do not think Rafa will ever be able to do what Wenger does because he does not have patience.
He signs a group of players for his first team, take Alonso, Crouch, Pennant for example. Then two years later, he seems to get bored of them, does not really help them so much, and buys replacements.
With youth talent you have to spend years to develop them, and then find place in the team. Walcott is the perfect example, he is now ready to become a first team regular, but showed some signs a year or so ago that were not really ready.
If Theo had been at Liverpool, he would probably have been on the scrapheap by now.
King Lear IV.i.37–38 well done JS. You are too. Off to watch Fran on Eurosport!!
I agree.
It’s just weird to listen to some Liverpool supporters because they really think Benitez is their Wenger or Fergie.
About Walcott, I really believe that he woulnd’t have stood a chance at any other club with any other manager. Some rival fans like to claim that the reason his development has taken longer than expected is because Wenger doesn’t care about English players. But that’s BS.
I actually believe Wenger is extra protective with Theo because he cares so much and he knows that Theo is a bit fragile compared to other players(both mentally and physically). He cares enough to make sure that Theo develops into a proper footballer with skills he can use throughout his career. You just have to look at Owen to see how important it is to learn these things early, because if you don’t you will have to adapt later and it won’t be easy.
Lloyd the Gooner – Yess! take care mate.
Nin – 100% agree, he kept him hidden from the media, and allowed him to develop in his own way.
merida looked quite good made a few good passes and nice sharp turns, come on msn J lol !
Benítez doesn’t have the time from the board, Wenger was given a lot of time. Benítez went out last summer and brought about 10 players for the Reserves, a complete revamp. He obviously knows there isn’t going to be a lot of money and he needs to prepare for the future, but if you’re wanting to bring youngsters through and win things, you need patience and time from the board and he has neither.
Pacheo was superb yesterday in the friendly, and Plessis look quite clam, albeit he’s nearly 20..
Matt – Not to mention some absolutely gorgeous flicks….u can see how he’s bulked up a little too…good short burst of pace and a competetive edge, flair reminds me of deco, fantastic footballing brain, great shot, great set-piece taker…he has the potential to become an Arsenal legend…
That Pachaco kid looked like a proper academy player, like Aliadiere. Might be great in reserves and in friendlies but you sure as hell know he’s not ever gonna set the premiership alight. It’s kind of understandable that Benetiz has to rely on buying proven players, he is at a job that demands success and even though the formula clearly isn’t working, has to try his hardest to stay in his job. Patience and academies don’t factor too heavily into what I assume is a very stressful job. Doesn’t make up for years of shit wingers and Bellamy, Voronin and Fowler etc. though.
It also has to be considered that in his first full season, AW made a success of a 17/18y/o Anelka and made him into a superstar before Cesc hit puberty. It’s always overlooked but it’s ridiculous that a manager would take such a gamble on buying a 17 year old to fully replace a clubs top scorer and have him take the reigns with aplomb. I really can’t think of another example anything like it in modern football and it’s given le boss a lot of trust when it comes to the academy in the years following it.
Well, Cesc taking over from Vieira is an obvious example, but I meant a new manager doing such a thing.
Like hypotheticallt, if I took over at Roma, and bought Rhys Murphy to take over from a crocked Totti and he went on to score 25. It just seems unconceivable that someone would take such a crazy risk, let alone succeed beyond the fans wildest imaginations with such a risk. (Well, young Anelka turned into Pires and Henry, that’s about as great a Wright replacement could be :D).
JS what position did kieran gibbs play tonight??
i think gibbs is barry in the making. he can play center midfield, wide left or even left back. after 2 or 3 seasons(if he willing to wait) he could play important roles in arsenal squad. merida is our own gerard. he atlethic and had good football sense. he’s the man to watch this season.
superb blog mr sanderson ! extremely insightfull and during the summer unrest and mayhnem ure blog provides a fresher perspective on arsenal along with a refuge from transfer happenings….its good to know about our youngsters ! i do have a question for you do you think that arsenal are the best youth nurturing club at present or do our youth setup compares with that of chelsea for example who have 3 internationals on the under 19 england team !p.s. keep up the great work and could u suggest a way to get the streams of the under 19 championships for people who are not living in europe ! cheers mate !
Call me crazy but i think Merida has the potential to become better (yes, better) than Stevie G…
Didnt see the game but ive always thought merdia looks like a top young player the best 1 from the youth team over last couple years. How did he play last nite and do pppl think he will get chance in 1st team dis season? What is he position cos he aint really gona get CM cos of cesc, he could get chance LW/RW maybe dis season? We have so many young players its unreal really, i cant think of many teams expect Barca that have this talent coming through.
Sean – I don’t know where you get the strange idea that Lansbury is the star of the England u19 side?