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Spain pip Portugal to reclaim crown

In 2017, Spain replaced Portugal as U17 champions and the same generation did the same thing at the 2019 U19 EURO.

Ferran Torres scores for Spain in the final
Ferran Torres scores for Spain in the final ©Sportsfile

Spain made it eight titles in the post-2001/02 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2019, but for the first time did so with a squad that had won the U17 crown two years earlier.

Portugal had been the first nation to do that 'double' with their 2018 U19 victory but it was they who were beaten in the final in Yerevan 12 months on. In all 12 of Spain's squad had also taken the 2017 U17 title.

It was Spain who opened the tournament against hosts Armenia, staging all games in their capital. Armenia equalised early in the second half but in the end Spain won 4-1 in front of more than 10,000 fans.

Portugal beat Italy 3-0 in a rematch of the 2018 final before drawing 1-1 with Spain. Italy defeated Armenia 4-0 but then lost 2-1 to Spain to join the hosts in bowing out. Portugal topped Group A on goal difference as they saw off Armenia 4-0.

Over in Group B, the Republic of Ireland equalised late against Norway while France overcame the Czech Republic 3-0. Norway and the Czechs drew 0-0 three days later while Ireland this time conceded late to lose 1-0 to France, now confirmed in first place.

Second position was up for grabs, and it was in Norway's hands as they led Ireland and the Czechs by a point. Ireland led the Czech Republic at half-time and Norway fell behind just before the hour. Even after conceding a 79th-minute equaliser, Ireland remained in provisional second and shortly afterwards they ensured progress with Barry Coffey's winner.

However, Ireland's run ended in the semis as again Portugal won 4-0, Gonçalo Ramos getting a hat-trick including goals in added time of both halves. Spain and France ended goalless, but it was Spain who prevailed 4-3 on penalties.

Ferran Torres got the winning spot-kick, and he was the be the hero in the final too with goals on 34 and 51 minutes as Spain dethroned their neighbours.