Reportage from England vs Spain U-19's
Played at Pinatar Arena (walking distance from home - and no, of course I didn't walk)
11:00 (CET) Saturday 6th September
England 3 Spain 3
Well, great value for money (free entry will do that), but the entertainment and quality of football was mostly first class
England dominated large parts of the game and will be disappointed with only getting a draw
England conceded first in farcical manner, a backpass to the keeper who, rather than blasting it first time, took a touch, then hit the clearance directly into the onrushing attacker for 0-1
The equaliser from Mheuka (sp.) was a brilliant run from, I think, Jay Robinson and a cool finish
Spain went back in front with a blockbuster from 25-30 yards which gave the keeper no chance
The major talking point from the first half, however, was the complete ineptitude of the referee, particularly where Max Dowman had the Getafe left back on toast, was brought down a combined15 times (yes, we counted them) and yet somehow managed to avoid a yellow card until very late in the half. At least three of the challenges were bookable in themselves. And the fullback also managed to kick the ball away without any punishment.
One of the other Spanish defenders must be cursing his luck, because he committed one foul and was instantly booked
Second half maintained a similar structure to the first, with England well on top
Dowman, who else, rounded the left back (again) in the box, was brought down for a penalty and to no-ones surprise no second yellow card was produced. Mkeuha (sp.) duly despatched the penalty for 2-2
It was a pity for England that the physical toll on Dowman meant that he was blowing very hard by the hour mark and had to be replaced.
Ironic that it was only a few minutes after the dodgy Spain left back had been substituted - and he went to sulk on a bucket outside of the bench
Approximately 10 minutes from the end, as an England defender was bringing the ball out, a Spanish player was taken out by a sniper and the referee decided that it was deserving of a penalty, despite the fact that the incident seemed to occur outside the box, and didn't seem worthy of a foul. 3-2 to Spain as the penalty was, again, duly despatched.
All that was left was for Reo Ngumoha to dazzle the Spain defence and lay on the simplest of chances for Harrison Armstrong to equalize for the third time.
I can't tell you what the scuffle/fight after the end of the game was about as it was on the far side and had started and was well under way before we looked up. Couldn't see any blood so I assume everyone was ok
I have a few pictures but I'll need to work out how the hell to post them as I assume I can't simply attach them from my laptop
