Wednesday, 19th June, 2013
Spain Under-21 skipper Thiago Alcantara has thanked all his team-mates after clinching the 2013 European Under-21 Championship title, following a victory against Italy Under-21s in Jerusalem.
The Barcelona schemer struck the first ever hat-trick in an Under-21 final as La Roja beat the Azzurrinis 4-2 to retain the title.
Thiago scored goals in the sixth minute, the 31st minute and the 38th minute of the match. Malaga sensation Isco decorated the icing on the cake for Julen Lopetegui’s side in the 66th minute, via a penalty.
Liverpool forward Fabio Borini pulled another one back for the Italians in the 80th minute, but that proved too late.
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“The best feeling possible in a match and in a football tournament is to win the title. To have been able to enjoy the great tournament this team have produced, I just want to thank all my team-mates for winning us one more trophy for Spain”, Alcantara told UEFA.
“I think it was really great, to score goals and above all to help the team. We were good right across the pitch and my team-mates really helped me get those goals.”
The 22-year-old also heaped praise on Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, who finished the tournament as the top scorer with four goals.
“Morata is an exceptional player and he’s really given us a lot in this tournament”, Alcantara continued.
“He helped us win the games that won us our group and get to the final too – he’s a great No9.”
The Red Fury have now bagged two back-to-back European Under-21 Championship titles. They also clinched the title in Denmark 2011, under former head coach Luis Milla, after defeating Switzerland 2-0 in the final.
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