Spain have lifted the European Under-21 Championships title, thanks to a 2-0 victory over Switzerland in Saturday s final.
Just like their country’s senior team, Spain now hold the title as Europe’s best in their age group after they rounded off a successful tournament with the triumph in Aarhus, Denmark.
A draw against England in their first match in the tournament had been their only blemish to a perfect record that included wins against the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Belarus on their path to the final, with the latter coming in extra-time.
But despite the semi-final scare, Spain were simply too good for Switzerland as their passing, ball control and movement stood out, just like it had done all tournament.
They took the lead with four first-half minutes remaining when Real Zaragoza’s Ander Herrera found the back of the net.
Spain endured some nervy moments in the second half as they failed to convert their dominance into goals and left themselves open to a Swiss counter-attack, but they finally put the result beyond doubt when midfielder Tiago grabbed the game’s second with nine minutes remaining.
Spain take over the title from Germany, who won the 2009 final in Sweden against England 4-0.
The victory is just Spain’s third at the Under-21 Euros, and their first since 1998.
