The UEFA European Under-19 Championship got underway with an entertaining opening round of fixtures across north Wales, producing dramatic comebacks and strong statements from several of Europe’s leading youth nations.
Italy made the perfect start to their Group B campaign with a 2-0 victory over Serbia at The Oval in Caernarfon. The ground, which has undergone significant pitch and facility renovations ahead of the tournament, hosted its first championship match in front of 1,212 supporters.
Italy started brightly and were denied an early lead after eight minutes when Serbian goalkeeper Vladan Čarapić reacted well to keep out Jamal Iddrissou’s first-time effort. The breakthrough soon arrived when Mattia Liberali was fouled inside the penalty area, with the midfielder calmly converting the resulting spot-kick by sending Čarapić the wrong way.
Serbia settled into the contest and looked most dangerous from a series of long throws, but Italy’s defence remained solid to preserve their one-goal advantage at the interval.
The Italians began the second half with renewed intent and were unfortunate not to double their lead early on as Federico Coletta struck the crossbar from close range following Mattia Mosconi’s square pass. The game then developed into a midfield battle with few clear-cut chances before Italy sealed victory with 15 minutes remaining. Javison Idele’s direct pass down the left released Iddrissou, who raced through on goal before finishing confidently at the near post. Italy comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure the opening three points in Group B with a clean sheet.
Ukraine also made a winning start in Group B, recovering from an early setback to defeat Croatia 3-1 following a disciplined and clinical display in Bangor.
The contest began at a measured pace, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create meaningful opportunities. Croatia took the lead midway through the first half when Ivan Barić converted from the penalty spot, but their advantage lasted only a matter of minutes as Dmytro Bohdanov powered home a header from Pavlo Liusin’s corner.
Ukraine returned after the break with greater purpose and turned the match around through Nikita Kaliuzhnyi’s composed left-footed finish before Liusin added a spectacular third goal with a curling strike from long range. Croatia pushed for a way back into the game, but Nazar Domchak produced two excellent saves before Andjelo Šutalo struck the post with a late header as Ukraine secured an impressive opening victory.
Group A produced arguably the game of the tournament so far as Germany edged Denmark 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at Central Park in Denbigh.
Germany made a flying start, taking the lead after just five minutes when Moritz Reimers was brought down inside the penalty area by Victor Gustafsen. Captain Francis Onyeka calmly converted from the spot before Denmark suffered another setback ten minutes later as goalkeeper Tobias Breum-Harild failed to connect with a punch from a corner, with the ball deflecting in off team-mate Gustav Schjött for an unfortunate own goal.
Germany extended their advantage on 32 minutes through one of the goals of the tournament as Otto Stange collected possession 30 yards from goal before stepping forward and rifling a strike into the bottom left corner. Denmark found hope before half-time when Olti Hyseni won and converted a penalty after weaving through the defence and being brought down by goalkeeper Florian Hellstern.
The second half belonged to Denmark, who emerged with renewed energy and reduced the deficit further six minutes after the restart when William Martin’s long-range effort slipped through Hellstern’s hands. Germany restored breathing space on the hour mark after Montrell Culbreath was fouled inside the area, allowing Stange to convert from the penalty spot and claim his second goal of the evening. Denmark refused to give up, with Alfred Gøthler firing home from a tight angle to make it 4-3 and set up a tense closing 20 minutes, but Germany held firm to claim three valuable points.
The tournament opened in Wrexham as hosts Cymru suffered a 7-0 defeat to reigning champions Spain at The Racecourse Ground.
On a landmark evening for Welsh football, Chris Gunter’s side became the first Cymru Under-19 men’s team to compete at a UEFA EURO finals on home soil. They faced a Spain side that demonstrated the quality which has made them one of Europe’s leading youth nations.
Cymru defended resolutely during the opening stages and almost fashioned an opportunity through Henry Kasvosve before Spain broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when Daniel Yañez cut inside from the right and saw his deflected effort loop over goalkeeper Luis Lines.
Spain quickly strengthened their grip on the contest as Xavi Espart added a second before Morante struck twice in the space of eight first-half minutes to establish a commanding 4-0 lead at the interval. The holders continued their dominance immediately after the restart, with captain Quim Junyent producing an outstanding chipped finish just a minute into the second half. Substitute Sergio Esteban added a sixth before Diego Aguado’s free-kick, which took a deflection on its way into the net, completed the scoring.
Cymru now turn their attention to Wednesday’s meeting with Germany as they look to respond in their second Group A fixture before concluding the group stage against Denmark.
After the opening round of matches, Italy, Ukraine, Germany and Spain all begin their UEFA European Under-19 Championship campaigns with maximum points after a matchday that produced 20 goals, dramatic comebacks and several impressive performances, setting up an intriguing second round of fixtures across both groups.
