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After demonstrating their fighting spirit at the start of the European Championship against the Dutch, the Lithuanian U-19 national football team now faces an even more challenging task. On Tuesday, our team will face the multiple-time European champion, Spain.
In recent years, the Spanish men's national team has been a dominant force in world football. This is also true for their youth teams, which have been winning titles one after another. The U-21 team became European champions this summer, and the Spanish U-19 team arrived in Lithuania with the goal of winning their third consecutive championship.
However, the road to the final tournament for Spain has not been easy. After a 1-0 victory against Poland in the "Elite" stage, they needed two late goals in the match against Greece (2-0), and Moi Gomez's goal in the 77th minute against Croatia secured a 1-1 draw.
Spain's strength lies in their fast-paced, passing-based game. The team leaders are midfielders Moi Gomez, Federico Vico, and team captain Jose Rodriguez. Rodriguez became the youngest debutant for Real Madrid in the history of participating in European cups last year.
The team is coached by former Athletic Bilbao defender Luis de la Fuente, who took over this May.
The Lithuania vs Spain match will take place on July 23 at 18:30 at the Kaunas S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium. The other Group A match between the Netherlands and Portugal will be played in Alytus at 16:30.
Spain U-19 national football team lineup:
Goalkeepers: Ruben Blanco (Vigo Celta), Alfonso Herrero (Real Madrid).
Defenders: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal), Ruben Duarte (Espanyol), Jose Luis Gaya (Valencia CF), Borja Lopez (Sporting Gijon), Julio Cesar (Sporting Gijon), Jaime Sanchez (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Pablo Iniguez (Villarreal), Jose Rodriguez (Real Madrid), Lucas Torro (Real Madrid), Alvaro Vadillo (Real Betis), Alex Serrano (Sporting Gijon), Federico Vico (Anderlecht), Moi Gomez (Villarreal).
Forwards: Iker Hernandez (Real Sociedad), Sandro Ramirez (Barcelona), Adama Traore (Barcelona).
