Yeah, Dani Pacheco's alright
They’re better than just about everyone, it seems, and this morning, they showed the English U-19s just how it’s done. The occasion was the semi-finals of the UEFA U-19 European Championship, and though the Three Lions gave it a good effort, La Furia Roja were just too good.
England even lined up in a 4-3-3, no less! Someone alert the English FA and get them back on track with the senior side! Not that it mattered… witness all four goals from Spain’s 3-1 victory.
First up, one from Liverpool starlet Dani Pacheco. It was his fourth goal of the tournament, and though some LFC fans I know are fearful of him being sold off, I’m praying he’s allowed to stay and give the first teams squad a boost.
Simple enough, right? Nice first-time finish considering the speed at which he met the ball and the accuracy with which he guided it past Declan Rudd at his near post.
Next came the pick of the litter, a slick passing move involving four players, all of whom guide the ball upfield with one touch each until the defense parted and allowed Keko to apply a simple finish.
Spurs young’un John Bostock pulled one back via a neat piledriver…
… before the sublime Sergio Canales — subject of a slobbery love note by Sid Lowe back in January, and someone I poached from Racing Santander in FIFA 10 following that game v. Sevilla — applied the finishing touch:
It wasn’t so much Canales — though his finishing touch was cool — but yet more set piece trickery from the dead ball. From the wacky penalty at the weekend to this; as Rodrigo runs up to shoot, Alcantara gives it a kiss over the wall for Canales to slot home while the defenders stood around, clueless. A nasty bit of goal-scoring fun by Spain, one that gives yet more fuel to our love/hate relationship with their national teams in general.
And so, they march on to face either France or Croatia in the final, where they’ll undoubtedly uncork yet more tricks. Bastards.
I had expected a glumming-up of Pacheco earlier after the Italy/Spain match. Nice restraint JT. Also, it seems everyone but the Three Lions senior squad is aware of the demise of the 4-4-2; even Redknapp’s been showing off a lone striker set during this pre-season for Spurs.
I wouldn’t mind Pacheco getting loaned out to get constant first team action, but I think he could start a dozen or so games this season for us. Selling him would be ludicrous and after this tournament I doubt the teams interested would be able to afford his value. No way should he go for less than 10 million considering his pedigree.
we’ll see how good they are when they face off against Les Bleuets
As long as Mavinga plays LFC wins no matter what!
Heard Delfouneso was one of the few bright spots for England, playing on the left wing of the forward 3. any confirmation, JT?
@NYK: Let’s see if Les Bleuets continue the proud French tradition of capitulating sitting on the bus.