Puado puts Spain in the semis

Spain is once again among the four best in Europe in the U21 category after an agonizing victory in extra time against Croatia. One step away from its third consecutive final, extending a streak that dates back to 1998: since the format of this European Championship changed, the Spanish National Team has not been defeated even once in a decisive match other than the final. Whenever they get through the group stage, they reach the decisive match, which they now have one step away again after beating Croatia in the quarterfinals, in a match that De la Fuente's men dominated from start to finish. and that incomprehensibly lasted until overtime when La Rojita had it won. Everything was difficult in the previous days and Spain made it even more complicated. Puado was the hero with two goals.

It was a game of extreme difficulty. The exceptional format, with the group stage and decisive rounds separated, complicates the task of plugging in the group. Even more so with the rare week that Spain had in preparation, delaying the trip due to Moncayola's positive and training in groups in several sessions. None of that served as an excuse when the ball rolled. De la Fuente should one day clarify if in addition to the title of soccer coach he also has a doctorate in psychology, because his way of motivating the dressing room in adverse conditions is worth studying. He lifted the team before the game and during, when it was easy to lower his arms for an unexpected extension.

Spain entered the game badly, with the nerves of a debut even if they were a few quarters. He dominated and ruled Croatia, although that strange scenario lasted only five minutes. Exactly how long it took Zubimendi to hit the table and take over the match. The Real Sociedad midfielder dominates all the registers: sense of placement, aerial game, vision of the game … La Rojita grew up on his personality and the gamers appeared. First it was Brahim with a slalom on the right and later Bryan Gil, who was a constant dagger on the left.

The first act was for Spain to the points, although not on the scoreboard. The Croats only worried in some isolated loss that they turned into counterattack and used a tactic that has become customary when De la Fuente's are far superior: hitting kicks. This was how it came to rest, with Bryan and Brahim sore from the blows and with good play and few opportunities.

The break was good for Spain, who returned to the grass with the same dominance but with more bite upstairs. The changes also helped: Villar and Puado entered and the team thanked them. Fresh legs and sparkle. It was Puado who opened the scoring by finishing a good cross from Bryan Gil. The Espanyol forward's season has been excellent and threatens to put the finishing touch on Slovenia. In the final minutes Yeremy Pino had a sung opportunity to avoid the final suffering, although he sent his shot to the clouds and in the discount a failure in the Mingueza chain led to the tie: he lost a ball, neglected his back and forced Guillamón to take a penalty that could also be avoided. Ivanusec did not forgive.

In extra time, Spain did not lower its arms, it maintained its good level and Puado did justice. A ride of his, in which he beat the defenders and also the goalkeeper, ended in the final goal.

La Rojita will face Portugal. Also in Maribor, this Thursday. The Portuguese suffered badly to beat Italy (5-3, in extra time). Portugal led 2-0 after half an hour but Italy never gave up and forced extra time in the 89th minute with a goal from Cutrone. That will be another battle for which teacher De la Fuente has already prepared several master classes so that his students arrive in even better condition.. As he always repeats: there is room for improvement, however difficult it may seem.