24.07.2010 20:21

Barça U19 players head Spain into semis

Aida Soriano

Spain, with seven FCB players in the team, have made it into the last four of the U19 European Championship as group winners. Luis Milla’s side won all three matches.

First Croatia (1-2), then Portugal (2-1) and finally Italy (3-0). The hugely Barça influenced Spanish U19 side is proving unstoppable in France. Àlex Sánchez, Martín Montoya, Marc Bartra, Carles Planas, Oriol Romeu, Thiago Alcántara and Rubén Rochina were in the side that topped the group, with Croatia second.

World Cup ticket

They ended the group stage with a comfortable 3-0 win against Italy. That means not only a semi final place, but also guaranteed participation in the U20 World Cup next year in Colombia.

Barça style

All seven Barça youngsters have made valuable contributions. Oriol Romeu and Thiago Alcántara have led the midfield, the latter scoring the goal that marked a comeback from behind against the Croats.

Àlex Sánchez played in goal in the first two games and only conceded two goals – Spain having one of the best defensive records in the tournament. And they have Montoya, Bartra and Planas to thank for much of that, who are all regular starters, although Montoya missed the Italy game through suspension.

Luis Milla has given less time to Rubén Rochina. The striker only started the final match with the Italians, but did come on late against Croatia and Portugal. But he opened the scoring against Italy, setting the tone for a game that saw Spain cruise into the semi finals.