Antonio Cordero and Spain were unable to retain the U-19 EUROs as they were defeated 1-0 by the Netherlands in Thursday night’s final in Bucharest.

Having topped their group with a 100% win record, where Cordero scored one and created another in their opening game, Spain booked their place in the final following a 6-5 thriller against Germany.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, also went three for three in the group stage, before a routine victory against Romania saw them secure their spot in last night’s decider.

Much to Cordero’s disappointment, it was the Netherlands who managed to scoop their first ever U-19 EUROs honour, bouncing back from their U-21s exit at the hands of England on Wednesday night.

How did Cordero play against Netherlands?

Despite missing a penalty against Germany, Cordero was handed a starting spot once again in the final, cementing his place as his country’s go-to left winger.

In the game between two of the the pre-tournament favourites, it looked like there was truly nothing between them.

After a goalless first half, Cordero came closest to scoring in the second 45, with the 18-year-old’s right footed shot almost beating Joeri Heerkens, narrowly hitting the woodwork to deny our young Magpie the opener.

But in a cruel twist of fate, it was the Spanish goalkeeper Raúl Jiménez who conceded an unfortunate own goal to give the Dutch the lead.

Semi-final hat-trick hero Pablo Garcia came close to an equaliser, but he couldn’t match his four goal tally from against Germany this time around.

Cordero was taken off with just under 15 minutes of normal time remaining, a frustrating end to an otherwise great campaign for the former Malaga star, as Spain just couldn’t find the back of the net when it really mattered.

His performance in the final was actually one of his best of the entire tournament: creating five chances, drawing two fouls, and boasting a 75% success rate with his crosses, Cordero ends his EURO campaign with one goal and one assist.

What next for Antonio Cordero?

Despite missing out on silverware with his country, the immediate future still looks bright for Antonio Cordero.

Set to officially be confirmed as a Newcastle United player, it’s looking likely he’ll enjoy a loan abroad as opposed to joining our U-19, U-21 or PL2 outfits.

Eredivisie giants Ajax are the reported front runners to sign Cordero on loan, where the youngster will hopefully be able to end the recent curse of our loanees struggling to get minutes in the Netherlands.