Dominant Spain beats Denmark 3-0 at the Euros
In match day two at the U19 Euros, the reigning champions Spain faced Denmark. In their opening match of the tournament, Denmark had lost 3-4 to Germany, while Spain had beaten Wales 7-0.
Spain opened with an intense and aggressive press that the Danish players struggled to cope with. The Danish centre-backs and central midfielders couldn’t keep up and repeatedly lost the ball during the build-up phase.
As the match gradually settled, the Danish side found a better rhythm. There was a 10-15 minute spell where Denmark controlled much of the play in midfield, and on a few occasions looked close to creating a real danger. Most of it came through attacking runs from the right-back Julius Lucena, who did well in this period, or from the left winger Olti Hyseni. He was often a threat thanks to his pace and his vision for creating chances for his teammates with well-timed through balls.
Overall, the two sides represented very different playing styles and tactical approaches. Spain focused in short passing combinations, constant movement, wingers who could cut inside or stay wide, and always looked to create small triangles.
Denmark, on the other hand, were far more direct, frequently sending the ball directly from the keeper towards their lone striker. They also relied heavily on long switches of play, trying to stretch and shift the Spanish defense that way.
As the first half progressed, Spain increasingly took control of the match. And if felt like only a matter of time before the breakthrough and goals would come. It came shortly before the half time, when a rapid transition ended with a goal from striker Hugo, who calmly finished a low cross from the left by Morante.
The second half was essentially all Spain. They dominated the match and in total the Spanish team registred 24 shots on goal, while Denmark only had 4 through the entire match. Even so, it wasn’t until the final ten minutes that the ball found the net again. Spain scored twice within five minutes.
First through substitute Ousmane, who placed a neat left-footed strike from inside the penalty area behind the Danish keeper. And then shortly after Jose Morante, who were now operating from the right hand side, cut inside and fired a left-footed strike inside the near post to seal a 3-0 victory for Spain.
Standout players in this match:
Olti Hyseni (Denmark / Sønderjyske) left winger born 2007.
Olti was by far their most dangerous player. He went close to scoring already in the opening minutes of the match after a terrific run from the left. At times he was forced deep into his own half, leaving a long way to the Spanish penalty area. His pace, low gravity in attacking duels, and his vision for creating chances for his teammates meant, that the Spanish defenders constantly had to stay alert to his movement.
Hugo Lopez (Spain / Villareal) striker born 2007.
Hugo was highly effective as Spains number 9. he linked play well, sometimes dropped into midfield to act as a passing outlet, and on several occasions threatened in behind the Danish backline. He made a number of intelligent runs between Denmark’s centre-back and full-back. He read the game well, and positioned himself smartly in the box.
Jose Morante (Spain / Betis) left winger born 2007.
Jose delivered an excellent performance, crowning it with both a goal and an assist. He was almost always a threat in the final third of the pitch, where his speed, powerful left foot, and physical strength made him extremely hard for the Danish players to stop. A superb performance by the Spanish talent.
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