The Dutch U19 team is European champion for the first time. Oranje celebrates the victory through an own goal to make it 1-0 against Spain. The Southern European press is seething – due to a scene shortly before the end.
After the dramatic semi-final victory over the German U19 team, defending champion Spain lost the European Championship final. The Netherlands won 1-0 (0-0) in Bucharest and secured the title for the first time.
Coach Peter van der Veen’s team defeated Spain in a long and balanced game. The decision came in the 62nd minute when Spain’s Raul Jiménez unluckily deflected a cross into his own goal, putting the Netherlands ahead. Despite several top-class chances, Spain failed to equalize in the remaining playing time.
The U19 of Spain cannot believe that referee Rob Hennessy does not give a penalty in the final against the Netherlands
Non-Penalty Enrages Spanish Press
Shortly before the final whistle, Spain’s frustration culminated in a scene that had the Spanish media ranting even hours later.
Jan Virgili Tenas dribbled into the penalty area in the 96th minute, where the FC Barcelona talent went to ground. Kees Smit hit the young Spaniard and missed the ball, but referee Robert Hennessy decided against a penalty.
Spain’s players felt disadvantaged by the penalty that wasn’t given, and a small scuffle resulted in a total of six players involved receiving yellow cards.