Spanish U17 coach, Juan Santisteban, decided to leave Bojan on the bench against Germany. The technical staff of Spain´s U17 decided to rest Barca goalgetter Bojan to get the best out of him in the semifinals. Still, Santisteban, gave Krkic a 20 minutes run out against germany yesterday to gain some confidence ahead of the deisive phase of the tournament. and the Blaugrana striker did not disappoint his coach.


Bojan was tired, physically and mentally, after the Ukraine match and therefore he had to go through a special treatment program with the physiotherapist and his personal trainer, but against Germany, we saw the Bojan again, who is the capable forward and lethal striker as we know him.
Against germany he came on as a substitute on minute 59 for Aquino. germany was pushing forward to score the vital goal for qualification but Bojan run riot at the opposite defence. In fact, only the goal was missing for the young forward. Bojan had a good opportunity on minute 73, when he came over the right wing but his shot went outside of the net. The best chance, nevertheless, came 3 minutes before the end, when he appeared suddenly in front of goalkeeper Giefer but his shot only hit the left post. Without a doubt, this was his best opportunity in the whole tournament, but, although he failed again to score, the positive note was that he clearly returned to show the spark that characterizes his style of play. For sure, he looked more confident in his actions.


Spain has played a very good U17 European Championship so far and with a Bojan at his top again, Spain has to be a clear favourite to win the tournament.

Without doubt Bojan Krkic is the big star of the Spanish U17 team at the Euopean Championships. Football experts have valued his talent since a long time, from yesterday´s public reaction, we know Bojan arrived in the football world. No doubt, his stunning goalscoring debut against Al-Ahly last week made him a famous footballer and the reaction of the spectators proved this. The young forward received a recognisable ovation when his name was announced via the "speaker" when the squad list was called out and everytime he touched the ball, the noise level increases in the stadium.


It was a great day for Bojan. he had a very good match, even he did not score. After the match he had to sign autographs on t-shirts and balls. Bojan did this with great patience and fulfilled all wishes, even posing for photographs.

U17 European Championship, Groupe A, Match Day 1




FRANCE - SPAIN 0-2 (0-1)
Stadium Bielmont, Verviers - Referee: Dejan Filipovic, SRB


Gaols:

0-1, Iago 19´
0-2, Fran Mérida 73´


Francia: Delle; El Kaoutari, Saunier, Sakho, Lusinga, N'Diaye, M'Vila, Benzerga, Le Tallec, Bourgeois and Saivet.


Spain: De Egea; Moisés, Morgado, Sergio, Rochela, Bojan, Camacho, Ximo, Fran Mérida, Isma (Aquino, m.64) and Iago (Lucas Porcar, m.76).


Bojan Krkic and the U17 of Spain started successful into the U17 European championship in Belgium with a 2-0 victory over rival France. Barcelona´s Iago and former Barca player, now Arsenal, Fran Merida scored the goals.


The team of U17 coach Juan Santisteban started well into the game and showed already early on, why they are considered favourites of the tournament. Six times U17 European Champions showed the required agression and dominated from the kick-off and created two clear chances in the opening minutes. First chance had Bojan Krkic after a long ball from Isma and the second had Ximo after a corner. Iago surprised the French goalkeeper Jorls Delle (Metz) with a fine left footed shot from the edge of the penalty area. The 0-1 through Iago gave Spain even more confidence until on minute 33 Thibault Bourgeois should have equalized for France. The Metz player Bourgeois had a 1on1 with Athletico Madrid keeper David de Egea, but was not able to put the ball into the net. at the beginning of the second half Spain took over control again. after 3 minutes Bojan Krkic had another chance. Bojan, who was very lively and active throughout the entire game, came very close when his shot hit the outside of the net. Bourgeois wasted another clear chance and was not able to equalize for France. arsenal player Fran Merida finally sealed the victory for Spain in the final minutes. On minute 73 Merida took advantage of a fine pass from Daniel Aquino and fired Spain 2-0 up. The last chance of the match was on France´s side. Damien Le Tallec but run with the ball into goalkeeper de Egea.



Spain won comfortably 2-0 and deserved the win. Next match will be against Ucraina, on Friday, May 4, 16:00.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has decided today, that 16 year old Bojan Krkic Perez will have to take part in the U17 European Championship and will have to travel to Belgium today.


The U17 European Championship will start tomorrow, 2nd of May and the final is played on May, 17. Bojan was already topscorer of the tournament last year with 5 goals and Spain hopes that he can display his excellent form currently and repeat to gain the top scorer crown again.