International, U19: Diallo reaches Euro Final

France has qualified for the U19 European Nations Championship with a victory against Croatia (2-1). In the final this friday, the “Bleuets” will face Spain, winner of England earlier yesterday (3-1).

Starrting again between the posts, Rennes goalkeeper Abdoulaye Diallo could only touch Arijan Ademi’s headed ball, which ended its run under his crossbar (0-1, 3’). With superior attacking inspiration, Francis Smerecki’s team equalised through the outstanding Gaël Kakuta (Chelsea), who took profit of a bad Croatian clearance to punish Matej Delač from close range (1-1, 37’). As the game was heading towards extra-time, Francis Coquelin (Arsenal, loaned to Lorient) ran through the Croatian backline to serve a clever ball to Cedric Bakambu. Alone on the left side, the Sochaux striker curled his shot into Matej Delač’s side netting (2-1, 83’)

Qualification was deserved in regards to the level of performance of Diallo’s teammates, confirming the quality seen since the tournament began. Against Spain, France will once more be able to count on unconditional support from the Caen public.