This Thursday, in the Semifinals of the U-19 Europe, Spain and the Netherlands will see their faces again in a decisive appointment in the category. The duel inevitably brings to memory that vibrant match of July 13, 2015, also in a U-19 European, When two golden generations crossed in the group stage and signed a draw (1-1) that was much more than a result. It was an announcement of the talent that came.
That meeting played in Greece was a young soccer festival, of styles under construction, but with names that today resonate in the elite. On the part of Spain, Rodri Hernández led the midfield with the sobriety that today characterizes it as axis of Manchester City. Beside him, Dani Ceballos and Merino They put creativity, Marco Asensio overflowed by band, and Borja Mayoral It was '9' with smell. A team full of the future that, some time later, would end up lifting that European and leaving an indelible mark.
Spain sub 19.
In front of them, the Netherlands arrived with an equally talented set, with a young Frenkie from Jong to the helm. The FC Barcelona midfielder already then stood out for his vision of the game, his ability to break lines with driving and his space reading. Although still far from the world window, I already left details of the player who was about to hatch.
A game that did not seem like youth
The party had a high pace, an unusual intensity in lower categories. The Spanish goal reached a few minutes to start. In the second half, the Netherlands put the penalty tie.
The tie caused the orange team to stay out of the next phase, but that was not just any game. It was the clash of two philosophies, two quarries that have always opted for the ball, and two players who have already begun to shine as brains from the center of the field: Rodri and Jong.
Rodri Hernández.
Destiny wanted Spain to continue on that tournament to glory. He surpassed France in the semifinals (2-0) and in the final he won Russia 2-0, with a stellar asensium and an omnipresent rhodri. It was a deserved title for a generation that was called to mark an era, and that over time has fed the first national team with talent, work and a clear identity.
