FIFA U-17 WC: Spain down 10 men North Korea 2-0; enters RD of 16 along with Brazil & Niger from Group D

IN THE second match of the night in Kochi, Spain played North Korea in the last group stage match of Group D.

The Spaniards had their attack mode on since the start of the match. As a result it got them their first goal in the 4th minute. A pass from Cesar Gelabert helped Mohamed Moukhliss put his team in the lead.

The Spaniards continued their attacking leaving the North Koreans to do only one job and that was defend. And they did that pretty well. But what also wasn't in favour of the boys in red was luck as they created most of the chances but the shots either being stopped by the North Koreans or the ball going just wide.

The teams headed into half-time with Spain leading by a goal.

It was rather a dry start to the second half though Spain were still attacking and looking for goals. But they weren't just able to convert any of them into goals. Shots and crosses going either wide or above the post or at once it even hit the pole and got deflected.

The North Koreans doing all they can but most of them looked tired as the game progressed.

For Spain, captain Abel Ruiz, goal scorer Mohamed and Cesar Gelabert had lot of chances to further their team's lead but the finishes not being right kept the Spaniards lead to 1-0.

Finally in the 71st minute, Cesar was able to score for his team, taking the lead 2-0. A pass from Jose Lara that was shot in by Cesar into the open net as the North Korean keeper was down trying to save the shot.

This put the Spaniards in a comfortable position, and made things even more difficult for the North Koreans.

Towards the end of the game, North Korea was brought down to 10 men as Paek Kwang Min was given a direct red for committing a foul.

Spain march onto the round of 16 as the second placed team in Group D after Brazil finishing on the top. The third placed team and debutants Niger too made it to their first ever round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

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