What: 2013 European Under-21 Championship
Who: Spain U21 vs Holland U21
When: Wednesday 12th June, 2013, at 17:00 UK Time
Where: HaMoshava Stadium, Petah Tikva, Israel
Saving The best For Last
In recent years Spain won anytime everywhere: two European Championships, one World Cup, one Under-21 European Championship and two Under-19 European Championships. To be a part of this footballing revolution is both a blessing and a curse for every Spain team in a big international tournament. Second place cannot be an option for those who come for the land of Tiki-taka football.
So far, Julen Lopetegui’s men haven’t shone as expected. In their two games so far they faced two stubborn defensive teams – Russia and Germany – that frustrated Spain’s creativity. It took two late goals from substitute Alvaro Morata – who has spent only 44 minutes on the pitch so far – to secure the Spanish side two wins and a semi-final spot.
Lopetegui praised his men for their mentality. “It is not easy to play these games”, said the coach, “because your heads can drop when you're on top – especially when you create chances but couldn't get the goal”.
Different from Russia and Germany, Holland are not a team of barricades. However, Spain’s most skilled players, from the off-form Iker Muniain to the so far anonymous Isco and Cristian Tello, must improve their performances and could be saving their best for the country’s final group game.
Building A Little Clockwork Orange
Eight goals scored in two games, with six different players on the scoresheet and the biggest ever finals victory (5-1 against Russia), have led Holland to make the semi-finals before the match against Spain. The Jong Oranje’s campaign has been impressive so far, with dynamic and fluid performances that have crowned coach Cor Pot’s men as the most eye-catching team of the tournament alongside Italy.
Like Spain, Holland also have, by a strange quirk of fate, a bench-warmer as their top scorer: Twente’s midfielder Leroy Fer, who alongside Georginio Wijnaldum has scored twice, but played only 25 minutes. Against Russia another substitute, striker Danny Hoesen, found the back of the net too, showing the abundance of options Holland have.
Pot’s work will now be focused on keeping the nervous tension of his players high. “I will not make any wholesale changes from the Russia game”, stated the coach. “However, there will be some new faces in the starting eleven”. Midfielder Jordy Claise (who lost his place in the team at the beginning of the tournament, being replaced by Marco van Ginkel) and central defender Bram Nuytinck are expected to start from the first minute.
Recent form
Spain U21:
Spain 3-1 Russia (25/03; Friendly)
Spain 1-0 Russia (06/06; Euro U21)
Germany 0-1 Spain (09/06; Euro U21)
Holland U21:
Holland 3-1 Australia (24/05; Friendly)
Holland 3-2 Germany (06/06; Euro U21)
Holland 5-1 Russia (09/06; Euro U21)
Players to watch
Spain – Alvaro Morata: Compared to legendary Spain striker Fernando Morientes for his cold-blooded composure in front of goal, his heading ability and perfect timing, Real Madrid striker Morata has had a great impact with Spain Under-21s, scoring in both his first two appearances. Spain Under-19s’ second top goalscorer of all-time (11 goals, second only to Juan Mata, who scored 12) is expected to become a regular in the side going forward, especially considering the unimpressive performances of the first choice striker Rodrigo. Against Holland, Lopetegui could hand him a chance from the first minute.
Holland – Georginio Wijnaldum: Goals against Germany and Russia put Wijnaldum in the top three Holland Under-21 top goalscorers of all-time (10 goals, only Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with 18 and Roy Makaay and Arnold Bruggink with 15 are better). After a season full of ups and downs at PSV Eindhoven playing as a number 10 or defensive midfielder, he was moved by coach Pot into his original position on the flanks, where he had his breakthrough with Feyenoord. With less defensive duties on his back, Wijnaldum has become one of Holland’s most lethal weapons.
Match Prediction
Given their superior goal difference, Holland need a draw to top Group B and avoid Italy in the semi-finals. So far, the Dutch have impressed more than Spain for the quality and sharpness of their game, while Spain have encountered real difficulty on their way to grabbing three points.
However, Lopetegui’s side hasn’t met yet a team with an attacking attitude like Holland. On paper, this meeting show allow them to showcase their creative football. Moreover, statistics are on their side, as Spain have won seven of their eleven competitive meetings against the Dutch, including four of the last five.
On the other hand, Pot can once again count on a fully-fit squad to choose from, leaving all the pressure on the backs of his opponents. This will be enough to ensure the game ends in a draw. Spain 1-1 Holland.
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