U-19 Euros: France fall at the last hurdle
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Despite impressing on a run to the finals of the U-19 European Championships, France found themselves stymied by nine-times champions Spain on Sunday at Windsor Park in Belfast. Finishing with ten men, Bernard Diomède's Bleuets controlled possession and had more shots but were unable to find the net, losing 2-0.
Spain are quick off the blocks
From the off, La Rioja pushed hard to take the initiative, as Olympique Lyonnais right back Saël Kumbedi had to be quick to stop a shot from Iker Bravo at the near post at a corner. From there, the match was cagy as both teams struggled to get into the match, with no meaningful chances coming to the fore, before AS Monaco's Saimon Bouabre pulling the strings in attack.
Indeed, it would be the French who had the next strong chance, as Paris FC defender Aboubaka Soumahoro had a fine effort denied from the edge of the area ten minutes before the interval. This chance which would go on to be France's best of the match, would unfortunately soon be followed by their opponents breaking the deadlock, with a chance falling to Iker Bravo after a well-worked bit of team play, with the Bayer Leverkusen striker converting.
DOWN a goal and then a man, france struggle
That would remain the score at the break, and while FC Lorient striker Eli Junior Kroupi would have a half-chance on fifty minutes, it would be Spain who would double their lead midway through the second half. Substitute Assane Diao was on the end of a strong counter from Spain, and the Real Betis man netted as the ball was diverted in off a sliding Jérémy Jacquet.
From there, things would go from bad to worse for France as Yoni Gomis was sent off for a last-man foul fifteen minutes from time. France tried hard to save some face, but could muster little in attack, 2-0 holding for the final score.
Lineups:
France: Bengui-Joao; Kumbedi (Sarr 80'), Jacquet, Gomis, Soumahoro; Assoumani (Michal 62'), Atangana, Benama (Amougou 73'); Bahoya (Mayulu 62'), Kroupi, Bouabre (Ngoura 62')
