European U-17 champs rally to edge out France 2-1; seal quarter-final berth
European champions Spain rallied to make the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over France, signalling their title intentions here yesterday. Juan Miranda (44th minute) and Abel Ruiz (90th) scored for Spain, while Lenny Pintor struck for France in the 34th minute at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Pintor put France ahead in the Round-of-16 clash, but the lead did not last more than 10 minutes as Miranda restored parity just as the half time approached. Spain celebrated after Miranda headed in the ball to the top right corner off a Ferran Torres cross.
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Spanish players celebrate after scoring against France during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Round-of-16 match at Guwahati yesterday. Spain won 2-1 following efforts from Juan Miranda and Abel Ruiz. Pic/PTI
France's flying start
Moments before Spain erupted in joy, France had taken the lead when Pintor's right-footed shot from the centre of the box off Amine Gouiri's assist found the back of the net. Just when it appeared that the match between the two European giants would go into extra time, the Spanish were awarded a penalty, which Barcelona starlet Ruiz duly converted to break the French hearts and knock them out of the tournament.
Incidentally, France had lost to Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Championships.
Ruiz bang on target
Ruiz ensured the result would not be any different this time around when he concerted from the spot after the penalty was conceded by Oumar Solet. In the four-minute injury time, Wilson Isidor's header from the centre of the box off Maxence Caqueret's cross was blocked by the Spanish defence. There were attempts galore in both halves as France and Spain looked to outdo each other. Before that, Pintor's right-footed attempt off Yacine Adli pass too was saved, as the Frenchmen's quest to find the equaliser ended in disappointment.
Spain, too, made their moves but they were also not effective enough. Having staged a fine comeback after losing their tournament opener to Brazil, Spain are seeking their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title.
Iran advance too
Meanwhile, two early goals helped Iran beat Mexico 2-1 in a Round-of-16 match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium yesterday. Mohammad Sharifi (seventh minute) and Allahyar Sayyad (11th minute) goals put Iran in command. For Mexico, the lone goal went to R De La Rosa, who found the back of the net in the 37th minute. After the win, Iran will meet Spain in the quarter-finals.
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