FIFA U-17 WC: Spain cruise to semi-final with 3-1 win over Iran; set up clash with Mali
SPAIN cruise to the semi-finals of FIFA U-17 World Cup after thrashing Iran 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday (22nd October).
In a packed stadium that saw the record crowd in Kochi - 28,436 was the best in terms of attendance. Iran being the only Asian country to qualify to the quarters had a lot of expectations riding on their back especially with their performances so far in the tournament.
Not a great start to the match but Spain got their job done by getting an early lead in the 13th minute, thanks to their captain Abel Ruiz who has always stepped up for this country and led from the front as expected.
Spain created quite a few chances but Iran were good with blocking shots and keeping the scores to 1-0. It was disappointing to see Iran not being able to display performances like they did against the likes of Germany, Mexico and their campaign in the group stages.
They were not able to keep the possession and most of the times were at the receiving end. Throughout the first half, Iran were able to come close only once. The fans gathered to watch at the stadium at times were found entertaining themselves as the game didn't have much to offer.
The busiest man on the pitch was the Iran keeper Zadeh who also almost Spain a second goal with his sloppy save but it was him at the end to keep it away too.
The teams went into half-time with the boys in red happy and leading by a goal. Iran needed some kind of magic in the second half to turn things into their favour.
As the second half started, Spain was on the go and had their attack mode on. And for that they got the rewards too. Two goals within seven minutes. In the 60th minute Sergio Gomez with a flying shot after a good pass from Moukhliss caught the right corner of the net.
And seven minutes later, Ferran Torres finally gets his due as he was trying to score. Once again a cross by Moukhliss and Torres finds himself in the right position at the right time just to touch the ball into the net to almost seal the match for the Spaniards.
Two minutes later, Iran score their first through a shot on target by substitute Saeid Karimi. But just after the second goal from Spain, the scorer Gomez was seen taken off following a clash on field.
Spain were still seen looking for goals while on the other hand the keeper indulged in some great saves to not let Iran get back in the match. Iran were just not able to keep the possession and Spain taking good advantage of the same.
And finally the boys in red took the result in their favour with a 3-1 win over the Asian side Iran to set up a semi-final clash against Mali on 25th October in Navi Mumbai.
