La Rojita can now breathe a little easier knowing qualification for the 2012 Olympic Games in London has been accomplished, although it was a close-run thing after Belarus held the lead for almost an hour in Wednesday’s semi-final before Spain ran out 3-1 winners after extra-time.
As reward for achieving their objective, and to maintain the remarkable team spirit and togetherness shown within the group, the Spanish Football Federation (FEF) has stated that for next year’s tournament – which runs from July 26 to August 11 as an Under-23 competition – there will be no over-age players added to the current squad despite rules permitting a maximum of three. This means those born in 1988 will be able to participate even though they are at present representing the Under-21side, which in Spain’s case means just five players: Juan Mata, Javi Mart
