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Day two at #U19EURO: Group B preview

The first round of games in Group B take place on Tuesday, with the Netherlands meeting Russia before holders Germany play six-time winners Spain.

The four Group B coaches: (left to right) Marcus Sorg (Germany), Aron Winter (Netherlands), Dmitri Khomukha (Russia) and Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
The four Group B coaches: (left to right) Marcus Sorg (Germany), Aron Winter (Netherlands), Dmitri Khomukha (Russia) and Luis de la Fuente (Spain) ©Sportsfile

Netherlands v Russia (17.30CET, Larissa)
Suspended: Dzhamaldin Khodzhaniyazov (Russia)

Netherlands
U19 best: group stage 2010, 2013
Last U19 finals: 2013 (group stage)

Aron Winter, coach
"After a year of preparation and qualification, we've finally got to the tournament. We've beaten some strong teams so it's nice to be here. I'm expecting some good games and we'll try to go far in this tournament.

"We've watched all Russia's elite round games and analysed them very well. They've got a very good team with lots of good players. They score a lot of goals, they're got some very good attacking players – but every team here is very strong. You always have to be aware of your opponents but the most important thing is that you play your own game. We must be sure we don't underestimate Russia; we know it will be a tough game."

Russia
U19 best: group stage 2007
Last U19 finals: 2007 (group stage)

Russia coach Dmitri Khomukha
Russia coach Dmitri Khomukha©Sportsfile

Dmitri Khomukha, coach
"We have a very tough group and some ambitious opponents. We want to go as far as we can – it's very interesting for us to cross swords with teams as tough as these.

"We had a training camp in Italy, and that went well – the players are in decent shape, we had one friendly and the players are ready for the tournament. We've had no problems with preparations, although our top scorer, Ramil Sheydaev from Zenit, joined us three days ago. That aside, no problems."

Germany v Spain (20.45CET, Larissa)
Suspended: Max Christiansen (Germany)

Germany
U19 best: winners 2008, 2014
Last U19 finals: 2014 (winners)

Aron Winter of the Netherlands
Aron Winter of the Netherlands©Sportsfile

Marcus Sorg, coach
"We're delighted to be in this tournament again after [winning] last year, and we're very proud to be in this group. It's a challenge to get through this group but we're very positive about it and really looking forward to some top, top games. These are things that bring the players on and, of course, we would like to win it – like my colleagues here too.

"Our collaboration with clubs has been excellent. We've got all the players we wanted. We had a few injuries and called up others, but we're here with the best players we've got in this age group so I'd like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to our clubs."

Spain
U19 best: winners 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012
Last U19 finals: 2013 (semi-finals)

Germany's Marcus Sorg (left) and Luis de la Fuente of Spain
Germany's Marcus Sorg (left) and Luis de la Fuente of Spain©Sportsfile

Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach
"We're very happy to be back in the final tournament once again. We're very excited; we've put a lot of work into our preparations, in the best of conditions. We're eagerly awaiting to play against such big rivals, who we respect very much. We hope to give the best of ourselves, and to have the opportunity to go as far as we can in the tournament.

"We've had a few injuries but the hardest part was to leave some players behind in Spain when we named our final 18. I'm very confident about the team we have in general; it's a very good side. This year there might not be as many players who've played in the first division but those who have played in the second division have made plenty of appearances. Overall we have a very competitive squad and they're eager to do well."

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