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.
