In the post-match press conference, Spain’s head coach Santiago Denia and Mali’s head coach Jonas Komla addressed the media.

In the second-half of the match when the score was 2-0 in favour of Spain, Mali’s Doucoure effort hit the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line, but the officials failed to spot it which could have turn the match around.

“I understand if the coaches were upset, but I don’t know if it would have changed the game. We have to respect the referee’s decision. But we might consider not to show the replay on the big screen inside the stadium in order to not to influence the referee, coaches or fans,” Santiago Denia said.

Meanwhile, Mali’s head coach Komla admitted Spain’s neat and clinical performance. “I cannot say anything about the referee. That is how football is. We played a good game, fast game but we couldn’t win. Till yesterday, we won matches but today we lost the match.”

“Maybe that (the disallowed goal) would have given us the luck because after that we had time to score the goals. But Spain did play well,” he concluded.

When asked about Captain Abel Ruiz’s performance, Sergio Denia said: “It was not only the captain but the whole team played well. He demands more from himself from each and every game. He will be the first one to say that he should have got more goals today and he will also know that he has to score those goals in the final. And when you have your captain performing like that your team will automatically look up to him and perform well. That is why you have a captain, a thinker, not just any other ordinary player,” Denia concluded.

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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.

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Santiago Denia’s side is heading towards the match on the back of a comprehensive 3-1 win against Iran, while, Mali produced a superb display to send Ghana home after a narrow 2-1 win. Both the countries have only faced each other once previously when La Roja registered a 1-0 win in 1997.

Remarkably, Spain and Mali are current holders of their respective continents as both the U-17 side has lifted UEFA U-17 Euro and AFCON U-17, respectively. Not to forget, both the teams have lost only once on their road to the semi-final.

Mali’s striker Lassana N’Diaye’s performance will be crucial in tomorrow’s semi-final clash as he is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals so far. Following N’Diaye closely is Spain’s Captain Abel Ruiz and England’s sensation Rhian Brewster who have scored four goals each.

In terms of defense, Spain’s backline has been quite organized. La Roja has only conceded four goals, whereas, Mali has conceded six times so far. Keeping each other’s attacking threat in mind, both Spain and Mali will be looking to stand strong at the back tomorrow in hope stay alive in the contest.

Players to watch out for: Mali – Hadji Drame, Salam Jiddou, and Lassana N’Diaye.
Spain – Sergio Gomez, Abel Ruiz, and Ferran Torres.

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“I would love to go and see the Taj Mahal someday soon, after the league. India is a big country and I hope to see more of it,” Bengelloun says.

For now, when he is not being put through the practice drills, physio and workouts at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, where team FC Goa trains, Bengelloun is content with Goan hospitality and showering from an elephant’s trunk!

“Goa is a beautiful place and I appreciate every moment here. We had the day off last week and I visited a spice farm with some of the team mates. It was wonderful. We had an elephant ride and a shower with the elephant. I absolutely feel in love with the beautiful animal. Coming from Paris, I’ve never been able to appreciate and enjoy nature like I’m doing in Goa. On my days off I’d like to see a little more of this beautiful state of Goa. I love discovering new places and would love to visit some more places if I can,” said Bengelloun thrilled at his off-day outing.

Bengelloun is a product of the academy run by popular French club Paris Saint-Germain, from where he played in various clubs across Switzerland, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, along with his native country France.
The last club he played for, Mulhouse, was home to Arsene Wenger and Raymond Domenech as players.

Speaking about his current FC Goa stint, Bengelloun said: “It’s been a great experience so far. The players are excellent and we have gelled together well. I’m surprised by the footballing talent here in Goa and India. The field is good and the training has been coming along well. Everything has been fantastic. I feel wonderful to be part of FC Goa.”

About Zico, the clubs marquee coach, Bengelloun claimed it’s an “absolute pleasure” working with the Brazilian legend, who conducts practice sessions twice everyday.

“He’s been an amazing player himself. And he’s an excellent coach, having coached teams across the country. He has tremendous experience and we are lucky to be training under a coach of his stature. The week is busy with training and we are gearing up for the league matches” said Bengelloun, at the end of yet another grueling training session.

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