Spain's Under-21s earn respectable draw in France

panish players celebrate their goal.
Two late goals propel Holland into the Final Four
Luis de la Fuente's Under-21s side were able to keep the momentum going as they earned an impressive 1-1 away at France, one of their main rivals for the trophy at next summer's European Championships.



Both nations had topped their qualification groups and came into this Monday night friendly fixture worrying about the performance ahead of the result.


As such, De la Fuente will be pleased with what he saw from his charges as they withstood French pressure at times, defended well, broke on the counter impressively and showed they can compete with the very best

Although Les Bleus were the better side in the first 10 minutes, Spain went 1-0 up in the 10th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Alfonso Pedraza had been fouled.

France kept attacking after that and Jorge Saenz had to be alert to clear a shot off the line, before Spain finished the half strongly and Carlos Soler saw an effort brush the top of the crossbar.

La Rojita defended well after the interval and broke with purpose on a number of occasions, but ultimately lost their lead in the 80th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta managed to get past Jorge Mere and fire past Unai Simon.

There were to be no more goals and this one finished with some unfinished business, the kind of which might be solved next summer in the tournament in Italy.