Spain caresses qualification for the final phase of the European Under-21 2023 after walking against Lithuania at the El Prado stadium, in Talavera, in a first part to frame, a true show from Luis de la Fuente’s boys, who went into the break with a five-goal advantage. With a victory against Slovakia next Tuesday, La Rojita will certify their qualification for a European Championship that opens the doors to the 2024 JJ OO. Half the way to Paris is almost gone.
Lithuania, last in the group, was clear about their party. Defense of five, play to the limit and counter shots. After two kicks and 15 minutes, he was already down on the scoreboard thanks to a goal by Rodri, who finished off a center from the baseline by Manu Sánchez in the area. It was an award for initial mastery. La Rojita controlled the match from minute 1, supported above all by the solvency of its engine room, made up of Turrientes and Vencedor. The Real and Athletic media are indisputable for De la Fuente, which has made them starters in six of the seven qualifying matches. Basque guarantee, without a doubt. Ahead of them all is joy. Yesterday Sergio Gómez, Rodri, Bryan Gil and Abel Ruiz started, but also Nico Williams, Riquelme, Sancet… almost nothing.
With the 1-0 and the wind in favor, Spain knew how to have fun. Play by bands, fast combinations, long wings and many arrivals in the area. Between so much mime of ball, Sergio Gómez played despite in the 35th minute and forced the ball into the back of the net with a left-footed shot from outside the area. The man from Anderlecht has become the goal man for the U21s with four goals in the last five games. The players had barely finished celebrating when Rodri scored the third (37′) and Bryan Gil the fourth (39′). No one had as much fun in the first half as the Valencia winger. And it makes sense, there is no better setting than a stadium called El Prado for a greyhound like him. The little hand in the first part was closed by Abel Ruiz, with a shot in the area assisted by Sergio Gómez.
After the break came the debuts of Karrikaburu, Riquelme, Torrente and Baena. The new ones brought freshness to a game that could have been stalled by the comfort of the result. So much so that they infected the most veterans. Manu Sánchez scored the sixth assisted by Vencedor, who had the luxury of making a roulette beforehand on the edge of the area. The winger, immeasurable throughout the game, assisted Baena on the seventh in the afternoon. Turrientes finished his great game with 8-0which closed the scoring and ended a historic walk through El Prado for the Sub-21.