History made as teams bring on fourth substitutes
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Article summary
The Netherlands' Michel Vlap has become the first player to come on as a fourth substitute in a UEFA match, part of a trial at both U19 tournaments this summer.
Article top media content
Article body
A fourth substitute has been used in a UEFA game for the first time after the Netherlands' Michel Vlap came on during the FIFA U-20 World Cup play-off against Germany at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
The experimental rule was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its meeting in March. UEFA's Executive Committee agreed in May to allow the testing of a fourth substitution in extra time at the U19 final tournaments this year and next, along with a number of other age-group competitions.
With Germany and the Netherlands both finishing 90 minutes at the Hardtwaldstadion in Sandhausen having used all three changes, Vlap became the first additional substitute to come on when he replaced Laros Duarte at half-time in extra time. Germany also took advantage of the trial rule in the 110th minute, Emmanuel Iyoha replacing Jannes-Kilian Horn.
"It's really good to have the option of using a fourth substitute in extra time," said Germany coach Guido Streichsbier. "I think it makes the game more attractive and today our fourth sub almost decided the game [Iyoha having a late chance saved]. That's a good thing."
