A global footballing affair which started on October 6, becoming the first official FIFA tournament to be held in India — the FIFA U-17 World Cup — is coming to an end on Saturday, October 28 when England take on Spain at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to be the ultimate champions.
England efficiently eliminated Brazil 3-1 after a hat-trick from Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster in Kolkata to book their place in the final. Abel Ruiz's brace ensured a 3-1 win for Spain over Mali in the second semi-final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
England will be seeking revenge for their defeat to Spain in the final of the UEFA U-17 European Championship earlier in this year as leading goalscorer of the U-17 World Cup Rhian Brewster (7 goals) had missed a penalty in the final held in Croatia in May.
Spain can play at a high tempo and they pass the ball confidently. England are very organised and will have to make sure to be "streetwise" in managing the game - that will be the challenge for them. As an Englishman, I'm obviously pleased to see them reach the final. It's great to see how English youth football is improving," Sol Campbell, Former England defender.
Ruiz from Barcelona's famous 'La Masia' academy is Brewster's direct competition and Spain's best goalscoring weapon as he is the youngest captain/forward to be a part of the U-17 squad. Brewster has scored back-to-back hattricks already against USA and Brazil and the Liverpool youngster is always in the right place at the right time. Both these talented forwards will look to win the world cup for their respective nations.
La Roja’s tiki-taka playing style won’t be easy for the young lions as they aim for their maiden title after finishing runners-up thrice in 1991, 2003 and 2007.
England's young lions are having a fantastic year as the U-20 team won the World Cup earlier this year.
Coach Steve Cooper seems to be optimistic ahead of an important fixture with Spain being the favourites going into the game but don’t be surprised if the young lions surprise us all!
The final will kick-off at 8:00 PM in Kolkata on October 28.
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