167 replies to this topic

[Resurrección]

Spain U19 have qualified for the European Tournament U19 in France, which starts on Sunday. The squad boosts some exciting young talent, with some players that have already entered on the big scene, like Muniain, Canales, Keko and Thiago.

I did a quick check and it seems like the first game won't be broadcasted on Eurosport. The second against Portugal will be, but it's in the middle of the day unfortunately. I'm not sure about the last one.

Here is the team coach Luis Milla selected. These numbers have not been confirmed, but I have no reason to doubt them:

1. Alex (Barcelona)
2. Montoya (Barcelona)
3. Planes (Barcelona)
4. Jorge Pulido (Atlético)
5. Marc Bartra (Barcelona)
6. Oriol Romeu (Barcelona)
7. Keko (Atlético)
8. Thiago (Barcelona)
9. Rubén Rochina (Barcelona)
10. Sergio Canales (Real Madrid)
11. Daniel Pacheco (Liverpool)
12. Hugo Mallo (Celta de Vigo)
13. Aitor Fernández (Athletic)
14. Ramiro Mayor (Zaragoza)
15. Iker Muniain (Athletic)
16. Koke (Atlético)
17. Calvente (Real Betis)
18. Rodrigo Moreno (Real Madrid)

The most surprising names are those of Muniain and Koke, because they are of a younger generation. Their inclusion isn't that big a surprise if you consider both have already played in la Liga.

Predicted line-up:

Alex

Montoya - Bartra - Pulido - Planas

Thiago - Romeu

Keko - Canales - Pacheco

Rochina

I noticed in Spain U19's last qualification game Keko was captaining the side, but I'm not sure if he always does.

[Artur Mas i Gavarró]

Ah yes, the future!  Celta managed to get someone in the U-19 team, very nice!

Also, does Atletico really have two players named Keko and Koke on the same team?  Really???

[Resurrección]

Yessir, they're both expected to play for the first team before too long. Imagine all the confusion haha

[Artur Mas i Gavarró]

Is Kiko managing?  It would be great to see Kiko lining up Koke and Keko.  

[Resurrección]

Haha, a Kiko Femenia has been selected previously, but was left out of the selection for the tournament.

I don't think Kiko the Atleti legend is working in football. Last I heard of him he was working for a Spanish tv station

[Primo]

Should be able to get out of the group-stages easily.

[Tomchin]

When does this tournament finish?  I suppose Bartra and Thiago won't be able to participate in the preseason of the first team?

[Resurrección]

Tomchin, on 15 July 2010 - 10:43 PM, said:

When does this tournament finish?  I suppose Bartra and Thiago won't be able to participate in the preseason of the first team?

Semi finals are on 27 July, final on 30.

[Tomchin]

URUGUAYO, on 16 July 2010 - 07:17 AM, said:

Semi finals are on 27 July, final on 30.

Aha, good, then they should be able to participate in our tour to Asia (August 3, I think)

[Nick]

Hooray! More football to watch!

Keko and Koke are going to tear shit up.

[Nando]

URUGUAYO, on 15 July 2010 - 07:18 PM, said:

I don't think Kiko the Atleti legend is working in football. Last I heard of him he was working for a Spanish tv station

He is. And he´s actually pretty good, with that Jerez accent.

[Artur Mas i Gavarró]

Nando, on 16 July 2010 - 01:00 PM, said:

He is. And he´s actually pretty good, with that Jerez accent.

Is he understandable, unlike Dani Güiza?

[Vikipedia]

Can't wait for this, it's always a joy watching Spanish youth sides.

I am loving the look of your predicted lineup too D, although I fear Rochina may be benched for Muniain, although I hope he isn't.

[Resurrección]

That seems unlikely to me, Muniain isn't a genuine striker. I think it's either Rochina or Rodrigo on that position.

I do think it's likely we'll see Muniain though

[Vikipedia]

The formation is almost exactly the same as in Derek's OP, only Rodri replaces Rochina up front.

Croatia have FM beast Andrej Kramarić in their ranks, let's see what he can show us. Match starts in an hour, FYI.