Asensio scores fifth U21 EURO finals hat-trick
Saturday, June 17, 2017
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Marco Asensio's sensational treble in Spain's 5-0 win against FYR Macedonia in Saturday's Group B opener in Gdynia is only the fifth hat-trick in U21 EURO finals history.
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Marco Asensio's hat-trick for Spain on Saturday was just the fifth in U21 EURO finals history – but who scored the previous four?
Aris Karasavvidi: Greece 5-0 Netherlands (1988 semi-final, first leg)
Marcus Berg: Sweden 5-1 Belarus (2009 group stage)
Thiago Alcântara: Italy 2-4 Spain (2013 final)
Jan Kliment: Serbia 0-4 Czech Republic (2015 group stage)
Karasavvidis's feat deserves an extra mention as he ultimately scored four in the game. Thiago's scoring exploits, meanwhile, inspired Spain to lift the U21 trophy four years ago – will Asensio's treble set them along a similar route this time round?
The Real Madrid attacking midfielder has now scored on his debut in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Liga, Copa del Rey and U21 EURO. "He's an example to all of us as a player who's come from the senior national team – and from the Champions League – and shown the motivation he has done tonight," said Spain coach Albert Celades. "We're blessed to have someone of his quality as a footballer and a person."