England were crowned champions of the U-21 Euros tournament for the first time since 1984. The English side beat Spain in the final of the competition. The match did not produce too many goals. And the game ended 1-0 in favour of the Englishmen at the Adjarabet Arena in Georgia.
Here are the talking points of this win for England in the U-21 Euro championships-
Lucky Goal For Curtis Jones
Towards the end of the first half, the English team scored a lucky goal. Curtis Jones was eventually credited the goal, but surely he had no idea about it. It was a free-kick that ended up in the back of the net. And it was one of the luckiest goals that one would see in a final of any competition.
Offside Goal Denied For Spain; Abel Ruiz Couldn’t Believe His Luck
Spain tried to hit back in the second half. But it was one of those nights where nothing works for you. A goal denied by an OFFSIDE flag, though the decision was right. Abel Ruiz had headed a superb ball into the back of the net. Unfortunately, it just did not count. And This was a disappointment for their fans as well. This was their best chance to take the lead.
Noni Madueke Misses A Golden Chance To Make It 2-0
The game could have easily been over for England, who could have won it. Noni Madueke had the chance of a lifetime to be a HERO. He could have made it 2-0, if not for the Spanish goalie, Arnau Tenas. What a save it was to deny the Englishmen. But, unfortunately, his opposite number did something better.
90th Minute Penalty Drama; Double Save By England Goalie James Trafford!!
Just prior to the full-time whistle, there was more drama in the game. Abel Ruiz got fouled in the box by Colwill. And a VAR check confirmed the penalty for Spain. The fans were delighted and they thought that it was the perfect time to equalize. However, James Trafford had other ideas.
A brilliant save from the spot, followed by another one in the follow-up to keep Rodrigo Riquelme out, shocked the Spanish fans in the stadium. At the end of it, there were multiple yellow cards lashed out, followed by a couple of REDS. It was an erratic end to the game. But Trafford had become a hero. When the full-time whistle blew, the entire team rushed to him!! What a sight that was!!
6 Clean Sheets Out Of 6 For England; No Goals Conceded!!
The English team did not conceded a single goal right through the tournament. They kept 6/6 clean-sheets. And though at the end, it was a narrow escape, the record was maintained. This is a great defensive display from any side at any level. And the entire back-line and goalkeeper get credit for it.
Looking at this record, there can be no argument that the team deserved to win the competition. And so, we have the new UEFA Euros U-21 champs for the first time in 39 years, ENGLAND!!
