Euro U19:Opponents preview

Euro U19:Opponents preview

By Nikolas Fil,

Greece U19 qualified for the U19 Euro for the first time since 2015, where we got knocked out in the semi finals by Russia. In Malta we will face record holders Spain, Norway and Iceland. Let’s take a look at them and some players to look out for.

 

Spain.



Spain qualified for this years’ Euro through Elite Round group 3 against Denmark, Luxembourg and Ukraine, finishing with a 0-0 draw against Denmark and 2 4-0 wins against Luxembourg and Ukraine.

Record holders having lifted the cup 8 times, 2 against Greece in 2007 and 2012.


With a squad value of 15.000.000 euros, Spain is one of the most valuable teams in the competition. Spain’s Fresneda is the most valuable player, with a value of 10.000.000 euros having been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle and Arsenal but also Borussia Dortmund. This season he has played 16 times for Real Valladolid in La Liga. Another bright star who Greece definitely has to look out for is Ilias Akhomach, captain of the side valued at 3.000.000 euros. Akhomach is a versatile forward, who can play in every position in front. This season he has made 22 appearances for Barca B in Primera Federacion group II scoring once, he has also made 5 appearances in the Youth League scoring also 1 goal. Spain is definitely a very strong team and a real test for Theos’ men.


Norway.



This will be Norway’s 6th appearance in the U19 Euros. After finishing 2nd in Group 10, Norway finished 1st in their Elite round group above 7 time winners France, beating them 2-1 to book their tickets to Malta. Valued at 18.000.000 euros, Norway has the second most valuable squad in the competition, behind Portugal, with Andreas Schjelderup being their most valued player at 9.000.000 euros. Andreas moved to Benfica in January 2023 from Norwegian club Nordsjaelland for 9.000.000 euro. In Portugal he has made 1 appearance for Benfica’s first team and 5 for Benfica’s B team scoring once.In Norway Schjelderup made 17 appearances scoring 10 goals and giving 1 assist.A fast winger who also can score goals, Andreas will be a ones to watch for our National Team.


Iceland.



Probably the weakest team in our group, Iceland will make their U19 Euros debut this summer. Iceland finished 2nd in Group 8 to qualify for Elite Round, where they finished 1st in Group 7 over current holders England, beating them 1-0 on matchday 3. At 2.140.000 euros, Iceland has the 6th most valuable squad in the competition, but as we all know money doesn't score goals so let's see who does that for them. Orri Óskarsson, the on loan from Copenhagen Sonderjyske striker scored 6 goals in the qualifiers to send Iceland to their first ever U19 Euros finals. Orri moved to Copenhagen in the Summer of 2022 for 400.000 euros. So far he has made 9 appearances for the Danish club scoring once, in January 2023 he joined the Icelandic club on loan, where he has scored 3 goals in 8 appearances. The 6 foot 1 forward has already made his debut for the U21s at the age of 18, and he has scored 12 goals for Iceland U19 in 14 games.Overall a good team, who can do a real damage to our chances of qualifying in the next round if we underestimate them.


Hellas Football 


Follow @BVBNikolas

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