30.07.2010 22:07

Spain beaten in Under-19’s final (2-1)

Aida Soriano

FC Barcelona's rising stars just missed out on glory at the European Under-19 Championships as Spain were beaten by France in the final on Saturday in Caen.

The seven players in the Spanish squad were hoping to repeat the triumph that La Roja enjoyed in South Africa in the World Cup, but fell at the last hurdle after the team let an early lead go.

Blaugrana starlets Àlex Sánchez, Martín Montoya, Marc Bartra, Carles Planas, Oriol Romeu, Thiago Alcántara and Rubén Rochina all gained invaluable experience at the tournament as part of Luis Milla's squad and went home with runners-up medals.

Four starters

Four Barça players began the final against France and Spain made a great start when Daniel Pacheco supplied Rodrigo to score in the 18th minute before going on to control the opening half.

After the break though the French weathered some more pressure before finding their way to an equaliser when Gilles Sunu exchanged passes with Yannis Tafer before lobbing the ball over Alex.

The Spain keeper made a good save in the 80th minute from Tafer again, but he was helpless with five minutes left when Gael Kakuta ran directly and his shot was palmed into the path of substitute Alexandre Lacazette to roll in the winner.