The Spain Sub-19 football team demonstrated remarkable tenacity on February 23, 2025, overcoming the Netherlands Sub-19 squad with a close 3-2 victory at the Albir Garden Sports venue in L'Albir, Alicante. This match was the second of three friendlies aimed at preparing Spain for the European Championship qualifiers set for June.
Under the guidance of coach Javier Lerga, the young Spanish team showed both skill and resilience on the field. Despite trailing twice during the match, they managed to rally back, showcasing their determination to triumph. The first strike came from Netherlands' Tess Tiebie, who opened the scoring early at the 19-minute mark. Spain's Alba Cerrato responded, netting her first goal at the 32-minute mark to equalize.
The match continued to ebb and flow, with the Netherlands briefly regaining the lead through Roos Kwaskkenbos just before halftime. Yet, Spain was unfazed. Just when it seemed the game might slip away, Cerrato struck again just before the break, scoring her second and leveling the score again at 2-2 at the 45+1 minute mark.
After the halftime break, Spain solidified their resolve. It was Celia Segura's turn to shine; the FC Barcelona player clinched the win for Spain by scoring the decisive goal at the 57-minute mark. With this victory over the Netherlands, the Spanish team has now secured two wins out of two matches this window, having bested England 2-0 earlier.
Javier Lerga expressed his satisfaction after the match, stating, "We are showing talent and quality along with determination and bravery." This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the squad throughout the match, highlighting their potential as they gear up for harder challenges.
Alba Cerrato's performance was pivotal; not only did she score twice to maintain Spain's momentum, but she also demonstrated her capability to perform under pressure. "Alba Cerrato was key during difficult moments, scoring two important goals to level the match," La sevillista reported, underlining her contributions to the team's success.
Looking forward, Spain is set to face the United States next on February 26, as they continue to refine their strategies and build their competencies. The upcoming match will be another opportunity for Lerga’s squad to prove their mettle as contenders for the European championship. With the confidence garnered from these recent victories, the players are poised to embrace the challenges of the qualifying rounds.
While the Netherlands team displayed significant skill and kept the match competitive, Spain's resilience shone through, asserting their place as formidable opponents on the European stage. Fans and football enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the rest of the matches will pan out, especially with this exciting young talent coming to the forefront.
This thrilling encounter serves not only as preparation but also as a harbinger of the competitive spirit and commitment demonstrated by the athletes representing Spain. The unity and strength portrayed on the pitch will undoubtedly motivate them as they continue on their quest for success.