Spain to play England in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Final

by Siddharth Yadav October 25, 2017

25th October 2017, Navi Mumbai: Spain sets up a mouth-watering clash against England as both the sides will meet in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Final on Saturday at Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata.

Earlier today, Liverpool’s youth player Rhian Brewster (England) bagged a fantastic hat-trick against Brazil to crash Kolkata’s hope of seeing Selecao Brazil in the final of FIFA U-17 World Cup. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Spain’s Captain Abel Ruiz ran riot to inspire La Roja as they defeated an energetic Mali side 3-1 in the second semi-final.

Right from the beginning, Spain was in control of the match proceedings. In the 2nd minute of the game, Sergio Gomez’s powerful volley almost opened the scoring but a terrific save by Mali’s goalkeeper Youssouf Koita thwarted his brilliant effort.

A minute later, Mali’s top-scorer Lassana N’Diaye had his say in front of the goal when he almost tapped in from close range to break the deadlock. An end-to-end match lifted the spectators at the DY Patil Stadium who astoundingly supported Mali throughout the match.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 19th minute when Spain’s Cesar Gelabert was brought down inside the box, handing Spain a crucial opportunity to open the scoring. La Roja’s Captain Abel Ruiz stepped up and comfortably converted the penalty to put his in front.

As Mali started to dominate the game through their free-flowing attacking football, Spain doubled their lead against the run of play in the 43rd minute. Midfielder Cesar Gelabert played a delightful through ball to Abel Ruiz who comprehensively scored past Mali’s custodian Koita to score his sixth goal of the campaign.

The second-half saw Mali at their very best but despite a good performance, Spain proved to be just too good for the African giants. Also, a bit of controversy was followed in the second-half.

Mali’s midfielder Cheick Doucoure unleashed a deadly shot from 25 yards which rattled the upright and crossed the line, similar to Frank Lampard’s effort for England against Germany in the FIFA World Cup 2010. Mali’s players and management argued with the referees but it was of no use.

A few minutes later, a brilliant cross by Sergio Gomez was met by Ferran Torres’ looping header which increased Spain’s lead by three goals. Mali did cut short the deficit three minutes later through their talismanic striker Lassana N’Diaye who scored a superb left-footed goal to take his goal tally to six goals.

Irrespective of the results, Mali has surely proved their strength and passion in this World Cup. Meanwhile, for Spain, it will be quite a task to see-off a strong English side in the final at Kolkata.