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Atlético Malagueño

Atsu and Ontiveros stand out in national team wins

This Thursday 24th March, with the football world in mourning following the death of Johan Cruyff, the international Malaguistas kicked off competition.

Ontiveros, the first

At 12 p.m. at the Ciudad de Lepe stadium (Huelva), Javi Ontiveros played and won the first match of the XV Under-19s European Championships Elite Mini-Tournament (Group 1) with Spain.  The national team defeated Greece by 2-0, with Ontiveros – who was in action for 90 minutes - playing a part in both goals.  The Marbella-born player forced the foul that led to Caricol’s goal in minute 22’, and was later subject of a penalty, scored by Spain’s Mayoral in minute 26’.  Spain are leading the group with three points, tied with England, who defeated Georgia by 2-1.

Atsu, victory with an assist included
Christian Atsu formed part of Ghana’s starting-11, playing for 90 minutes in the Ghana-Mozambique clash – the Group H qualifier for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.  The result was a 3-1 victory for Atsu’s side, in the match held at the Ohene Djan Sports stadium in Accra.  Ghana’s goal-scorers were Acheampong (4’), Boye (56’), taking advantage of a rebound following a shot from Atsu, and Jordan Ayew (67’), after a great assist from Atsu.  Apson Manjate (67’) scored for Mozambique.  Ghana leads the group with 9 points out of 3 matches.

Horta and Pablo didn’t play

  • Portugal defeated Liechtenstein by 4-0, at the Sao Miguel de Ponta Delgada stadium (Azores), in the Group 4 qualifier for the XXI Under-21s European Championships.  Horta wasn’t part of Portugal’s straightforward win, with goals from Semedo, Figueiredo, Paciencia and Bruma.  The 6th victory out of 6 games puts Portugal in the group top spot.
  • Spain suffered a 0-3 defeat by Croatia at El Plantío de Burgos, in the Group 6 qualifier for the XXI Under-21s European Championships.  Pablo Fornals stayed on the bench for this Spain defeat, with well-deserved Croatia goals by Caleta-Car and Perica (2).  Croatia, with 15 points, are at the top of the group after 6 games, ahead of Spain (13 points)

Santa Cruz and Rosales, inactive

  • Roque Santa Cruz wasn’t part of the Ecuador-Paraguay match, whilst Rosales is suspended from Peru-Venezuela (3.15 a.m., Friday 25th).  Both matches are South American qualifiers for the 2018 Russia World Cup.
  • Juanpi, and reserve team player, Mikel Villanueva, in the aforementioned Venezuela match; as well as Filipenko, called-up by Belarus for the friendly in Armenia (Friday 25th, 4 p.m.), are the Blue and Whites’ players who will close the first batch of FIFA commitments.