The U21 Euro group stage held during the last week of March has come to an end. Eight teams secured their qualification for the final round planned to be held from May 30 to June 6. Several Maurice Revello Tournament graduates shone during this continental event : Vitinha, Nmecha, Fabio Vieira…
Let’s take a look at these performances !
It was maybe the most impressive team in this group stage : Portugal (group D) earned three wins in as many games played, against Croatia (1-0), England (2-0) and Switzerland (3-0). Without conceding a single goal. Only Denmark made a similar performance among the other participating teams.
The U21 Seleçao was notably led by Vitor Ferreira, known also as “Vitinha”. The Wolverhampton midfielder, named Revelation of the Maurice Revello Tournament 2019, justified his flattering reputation as he has lighted up the team with his flair and finesse
Vitinha, who made an assist against Switzerland, has played a pivotal role in the Portugal’s successful group stage campaign. As well as other Maurice Revello Tournament graduates Fabio Vieira and Trincao. The FC Porto attacking midfielder netted the winner against Croatia while the FC Barcelona winger found the net against both England and Switzerland.
Nmecha continues impressive goalscoring form
In our U21 Euro preview, except the Portuguese talents mentioned above, we have also ranked Lukas Nmecha among the players to watch : he has also met the expectations. Winner of the Maurice Revello Tournament 2018 (NDLR : with England), the Anderlecht striker continued his goalscoring form (13 goals this season in the Belgian top-flight) as he netted two crucial goals for Germany in this group stage : the opener against Hungary and then the equalizer against Netherlands. Enough to help Germany go through to the quarter finals !
Eze and England face a group stage exit
While most of the favourites secured their spot for the quarter finals, England faced a group stage exit. After two initial losses, English players bounced back during their last game against Croatia, notably thanks to the Crystal Palace elegant midfielder Eberechi Eze. The Young Lions have had a two-goal-lead, enough to send them to the quarter finals, until the stoppage-time. A stunner from Domagoj Bradaric ended the English hopes…
Among the other Maurice Revello Tournament graduates who took part in the U21 Euro group stage, it should be noted that the Czech goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka has been impressive despite the group stage exit faced by his side.
STANDINGS
Group A : Netherlands 5 pts (+5), Germany 5 pts (+3), Romania 5 pts (+1), Hungary 0 pt
Group B : Spain 7 pts, Italy 5 pts, Czech Republic 2 pts, Slovenia 1 pt
Group C : Denmark 9 pts, France 6 pts, Russia 3 pts, Iceland 0 pt
Group D : Portugal 9 pts, Croatia 3 pts (-1), Switzerland 3 pts (-3), England 3 pts (-2)
Amayes Brahmi