Izan Merino has been a key player from the start of the tournament. In Spain U-19’s opening match against Denmark, on the first day of the group stage, he started the game, played the full 90 minutes, and was decisive. A powerful shot of his in the 45th minute of the first half hit the post and bounced off the Danish goalkeeper, resulting in the national team’s 1-0 victory.
In the second match, Izan was once again in the starting-11 for Paco Gallardo’s side, playing 83 minutes in the 3-1 win over tournament hosts Romania.
In the third and final match of the European Championship group stage, Spain reaffirmed their dominance with a convincing 5-0 win over Montenegro. They advanced to the semifinals as undefeated group leaders, with Izan remaining on the bench.
Then came a semifinal to remember. The Spain U-19 team defeated Germany 6-5 after extra time, with Izan Merino once again in the starting line-up, playing the full 120 minutes and providing an assist.
In the final between Spain and the Netherlands last night in Bucharest, an own goal by Spanish goalkeeper Raúl Jiménez (0-1, 63’) gave the title to the Dutch side. Izan once again played the entire match, bringing his total playing time in the tournament to 383 minutes.
Izan wraps up a brilliant U-19 European Championship with a silver medal, four starts, and a key role in Spain’s journey to the final. Congratulations!