Thiago stars as Spain win the 2013 UEFA U-21 European Championship

Another tournament, another Spain victory. The run since 2008 is truly remarkably, nigh unbelievable. Spain currently holds all the following titles: 2008, 2012 UEFA European Champions, 2010 FIFA World Cup Champions, 2011, 2013 UEFA Under-21 European Champions and 2011, 2012 UEFA Under-19 European Champions. This evening in Jerusalem, team captain Thiago Alcântara scored a hat-trick (the only ever in a one-off sub-21 final) and inspired his team to a 4-2 victory against finalists Italy.
Spain again started with four culés in Martín Montoya, Marc Bartra, Cristian Tello and of course captain Thiago. And in just six minutes Thiago began his rampage with a thundering header from a well played Álvaro Morata cross. Italy equalized four minutes later from Genoa man Ciro Immobile after he latched onto a long ball from the back. This play did not cover Spain center back Iñigo Martínez in glory. He was caught out of position and showed he does not have the pace to recover from such positional lapses. Maybe not the ideal target so many are clamming for.
But Spain were in control of this match from start to finish and if anything that Italy equalizer was against the run of play. Thiago was controlling things in the middle as well as playing some penetrating balls forward, none more special than the outside the foot zinger that put Morata behind the defense. The Real Madrid man’s shot was saved. But just after the half-hour mark Thiago again darted into the box, this time controlling with his chest Koke’s cross into the box and squeezing his shot past Italian keeper Bardi.
It was two Barça friends that combined to set up the winning goal. The referee blew for a foul (not clear though) in the box on Tello and Thiago stepped up for the penalty, smashing it right down the middle. It’s noticeable the sense of purpose and leadership Thiago has when given the job of commanding a side.
Sublime player Isco put in another penalty after 66 minutes and once again Barça was involved in the goal. Montoya this time came storming up the right as he does and no question here when Regini clearly took him down.
Another wonderful day for Spain and, as has been the pattern for some years, subsequently FC Barcelona. Four Barça players in the starting eleven isn’t quite the dominance seen at the senior level, but all four men were crucial to success in the tournament and the final. Marc Bartra was the best center-back in a team that only conceded goals in the final, Montoya dominated the right and won a penalty today, Tello’s pace proved an x-factor weapon throughout and Thiago Alcântara showed just why he is among the most desired recruits in the game.
His performance tonight will only ramp up the rumor mill so expect a bit of a transfer saga to develop going forward.
Congratulations Spain. Visca Barça.