Twenty four years have passed since Spain last reached the U-19 World Cup final. The moment returned in Lisbon with a golden generation led by Pau Gasol, a memory that still stirs pride among Spanish fans. Since then, Spain has built on its success, especially in the junior ranks. The present group, led by Izán Almansa who has inherited the mantle from Gasol, has carried that legacy forward. After earning silver at the U-17 World Cup the year before, the aim this season was to claim the U-19 title. In Lisbon the team captured gold against the United States. Today in Vesprén, Hungary, they faced a formidable France, a squad known for its superior athleticism, and emerged victorious in a tight 73-69 finish.
In front stood a France built on physicality and athleticism, fresh from a win over the United States highlighted by standout performances from Zacharie Perrin. Spain, coached by Dani Miret, showcased high offensive potential through a dynamic, collective approach that found strength in the trio of Jordi Rodríguez, Almansa’s imposing presence, Lucas Langarita’s contributions, and the intensity of Sediq Garuba and Isaac Nogués. Spain started under pressure as the French defense set a hard tempo. The rhythm did not flow smoothly, and Spanish shooters hesitated; only three Spaniards reached the scoreboard in the opening period, contributing to a tight start with a 19-18 margin for France. The sense of unease hung over the floor as the large free throw disparity created a shadow over the early minutes.
Ajinça and Sarr brought energy for France, delivering threes and impenetrable blocks that intensified the action. Spain remained inconsistent, unable to execute what they had prepared. The second quarter opened with a 2-7 burst that exposed Spain’s struggles to connect on offense, producing only three assists by halftime. Almansa found no easy touches and Mirettes faced their own offensive pains, so the team leaned on defense and collective play to stabilize. Free throw woes persisted with a record of seven makes from sixteen attempts in the first half. In the painted area, France asserted control with a stronger physical presence, collecting 16 points and 25 rebounds overall. Yet Spain managed to close the first half with a one point deficit, trailing 28-29.
The second half began much the same way. Spain failed to find clear shots, and rebounding and quick ball movement remained elusive. Perrin tallied 17 points for France, while the rest of the Spanish team struggled to combine for more than 18 total possessions in that stretch. France moved ahead to 34-39 after Miret urged his players to return to their pace and style, calling a timeout. The trios did not regain their rhythm, missing eight straight attempts after three early successes. Nevertheless, the Mirettes’ defense kept the score within reach, and Spain finished the third period with a 14-steal effort that reflected their tenacious defense, even if the offense remained stubborn. Spain ended the third period with a narrow one-point hole, trailing 41-43, yet showing resolve with strong work on the boards, finishing the period with 36 rebounds to France’s 19.
Father Miller to the rescue
Rodríguez delivered a timely three for Penya, and France answered with a Fischer-style response. Perrin added a traditional and effective two plus one, pushing the French lead before Spain balanced the scales again. The French extended the advantage to five as the clock moved toward the final minutes. Yet Miller, Almansa, and Villar fired back to cut the gap to a one-point game as the tempo intensified. The contest evolved at a relentless pace, never truly settling into a comfortable flow for either side.
Fatigue began to dictate the action, and defenses tightened around the ball. Bouzidi and Sarr produced a sustained offensive surge for France, while Spain found some momentum through Baba Miller, who delivered a crucial three-pointer. Ajinça answered with another long-range bomb, and Miller replied again as the minutes wore on. France edged ahead late, 61-63, just before Perrin fouled out for the fifth time. Jordi Rodríguez responded by leveling the score with Sergi Llull in the waning seconds. The ball found its way to Penda in the final sequence, but the French attack stalled with 18 seconds left and a defensive stance that kept the game tight. Izán Rodríguez stepped in to seize the decisive moment, stole the ball, and overtime loomed.
Spain entered overtime with fewer fouls than France. Isaac Nogués produced a crucial steal early in extra time, and Rafa Villar cashed in another important score from outside the arc to keep the Spaniards competitive. Ajinca answered with three free throws, and Miller picked up his fifth foul as the tension rose. On defense, Villar anchored the team, while Nogués and the teammates pressed forward. With 26 seconds remaining, Spain led 73-69 after two free throws, and Perrin fouled out. France pressed hard with a late three but could not convert, sealing a Spanish victory. The U-19 crown would remain a memory for a generation, and the current group would join the ranks of the celebrated “Golden Boys.”
Data sheet
Final score: 73 for Spain, 69 for France. Spain’s scorers included Almansa with 14, Miller with 11, Garuba with 5, Rodríguez with 18, and Villar with 17 as the top five. Other Spanish players contributed in smaller roles, while Nogués added six and Langarita did not record a score. France’s lineup featured Ajinca with 21, Dam Sarr with 8, Bouzidi with 9, and Perrin with 14 as the top contributors, with Fischer adding 7 and several others contributing in reserve roles. The game took place at the Fönix Arena in Debrecen, Hungary, and Perrin and Miller each picked up fouls.