Finalists Spain and France have already met at this year’s UEFA Men’s Under-19 European Championship final tournament.
There was little to choose between the two sides when they crossed swords in a group game at Larne’s Inver Park last Monday.
The game ended 2-2 and it was an entertaining affair which ebbed and flowed.
To reach today’s decider at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park (7pm kick-off), Spain scored in extra time to edge past Italy by a goal to nil in the last four and France also won their semi-final 1-0 - against Ukraine.
Spain U19s boss Jose Lana has coached Spanish national youth teams since 2022. He began his coaching career as assistant manager at Racing Santander, when they were in La Liga, before becoming Spain’s U15 manager. He has also had spells as U16s boss and U17s manager, and he works for Spain’s U21s as an analyst.
Ahead of today’s encounter in Belfast, Lana said: "Against France in the group stage we kept the ball more than in our other games, and we'll try to do that again in the final.
“We've shown we're able to adapt to different situations.
“In the semi-final we were a little tired because of the last group stage game against France, but we were able to win. Every player is important in the match. I don't think there are any key zones we need to focus on."
The French are coached by former player Bernard Diomede, who was a World Cup winner with France in 1998.
Diomede, who was a winger, helped Auxerre to a league and cup double during his playing career, and he was also briefly on Liverpool’s books. His other clubs include Ajaccio, Creteil and Clermont Foot.
On the coaching front he has previously been in charge of French national teams at U17, U18 and U20 level. This is his second spell coaching the U19s.
Ahead of today’s game, he said:"We're expecting a different Spain team (from the group stage) and a different experience. It will be a different scenario, with different players at a different stage of the competition.
“For these players, reaching a final is an accomplishment, but winning a final is a real achievement.
“Every player wants to play, and our unity in the squad throughout the whole competition has been crucial. It's important that we maintain the freshness and unity we have. The team always sticks together."
In the Group B game in Larne the draw meant France topped the four-team group with seven points and Spain finished runners-up with five points.
France had previously beaten Turkiye 2-1 and Denmark 4-2 in Group B, while the Spanish had defeated Denmark 2-1 and drawn 1-1 with the Turks.
At Inver Park the lively Saimon Bouabre scored a fine opener for Bernard Diomede’s slick French outfit after just 13 minutes.
Dani Rodríguez's fine 65th-minute strike brought parity, and as Spain's momentum grew Wassim Keddari (Simo) rose highest to head home what appeared to be the winning goal and propel Lana's side to the section summit.
However, in a final twist, Valentin Atangana came off the bench to send France back to the top and claim first place in Group B.
Diomede dug deep into his squad when naming his starting 11 for that group game, while most of Spain’s regulars featured in the game.
That may, however, have little bearing on today’s final as both sides have plenty of talented players in their ranks.
Simo, who plays his club football for Qatari side Al-Arabi, and his defensive partner Yarek Gasiorowski (Valencia) have been excellent for Spain throughout the tournament in front of Valencia keeper Raul Jimenez.
Atletico Madrid full-back Julio Diaz has shone, too, while Real Madrid midfielder Chema Andres and Villareal’s Gerard Hernandez, who usually captains the team, have set the tone in games.
Up top striker Iker Bravo (Bayer Leverkusen), Barcelona winger Dani Rodriguez and Deportivo La Coruna attacker David Mella have all looked sharp, too.
For the French regular captain Atangana (Reims) has been in fine form along with Bouabre (Monaco).
In the engine room another Monaco player, Mayssam Benama, has been a steadying influence alongside the more attack-minded Senny Mayulu of Paris Saint-Germain and Atangana.
Rennes centre back Jeremy Jacquet is a cool customer in the backline alongside impressive full-backs Sael Kumbedi (Lyon) and Aboubaka Soumahoro (Paris FC), while Lyon goalkeeper Justin Bengui Joao is extremely agile and usually handles well.
FC Lorient’s Eli Junior Kroupi and Le Havre striker Steve Ngoura have worked hard up front without getting much reward for their efforts. Midfielders Atangana and Bouabre have been among the goals instead.
The Irish Football Association is hosting U19 Euro 2024 along with UEFA. For highlights of the action so far go to the UEFA Under-19 section on uefa.com.
To buy tickets to the U19 Euros final between Spain and France go to irishfa.com/u19euro.
Image: Spain captain Gerard Hernandez and French skipper Valentin Atangana will both be aiming to get their hands on the U19 Euros trophy later today.
The build-up...
