A night of dreams and bravado sees England crowned champions of FIFA U-17 World Cup

A grand finale that exuberated grandeur in all its form.

Two European powerhouses, England and Spain, in the U-17 World Cup final. This could go one of two ways. Either both teams would approach the game conservatively and play to avoid making mistakes, turning it into a low-scoring chess match. Or it could be a case of one or both teams turning the heat up from early on, forcing a high tempo battle of footballing prowess.

The sellout crowd in Kolkata, after a rather subdued third place match between Brazil and Mali, waited for the main event of the night in hopeful anticipation that the finale would turn out the latter way. And boy, were their prayers were answered.

The Spain coach did not mess around with the squad. For the sixth time, he turned out the same starting eleven. England, to their credit, started the match with the same fervour that they displayed towards the end of their semi-final encounter against Brazil. The Three Lions started bravely with an onslaught from Morgan Gibbs White that the keeper Alvaro Fernandez somehow managed to deflect away before the ball fell to the ever-alert Brewster in the Spanish box. 

England made a robust start to the game. But after dominating in the early few minutes, they conceded the lead to Spain.

A cross from Juan Miranda, seemingly not so stinging, saw an attempted clearance from Jonathan Panzo. But the timing of his header was completely off. The ball air-spun its way to Cesar Galbert who found Sergio Gomez in the England box. The finisher went right past English keeper Curtis Anderson and Span were ahead 0-1 just about 10 minutes into the game.

England were behind but not down. A high paced back and forth contest ensued and both teams created chances. England were crawling back into the game by holding onto the ball and looking to attack up the wings. When the teams went into water break just before the half hour mark, it seemed like England had begun to knock on Spain's door for the equalizer. 

But they conceded again. 31 minutes in, Abel Ruiz broke past his marker with a fierce run and after some maneuvering managed to send it to Cesar Gelabert on a tangent. Gelabert saw his old mate running into position and he found him with the short cross. The finish was perfect. Spain were leading 0-2.

England felt the noose tightening and knew they had to respond quickly. When the match resumed the team went on all-out attack. Soon the ball fell to Callum Hudson-odoi within scoring range. His bullet of a finisher had the keeper beaten, but it found the woodwork.

But they got their break through soon enough. Just before half-time, Steven Sesegnon overlapped with remarkable speed, and sent in a well calculated shot that found Brewster perfectly positioned to get the finisher. The ball went in and England went into the half time with the solace of still being in the game, 1-2.

From the moment they came back out, England were a team looking for war. The right wing was especially mobile for them and they utilised it again near the hour mark when Sessegnon ran up again, this time finding Gibbs-white in the middle. The finish was perfect again, and England were level. 2-2.

At the hour mark, the game was at a crossroads. Whoever took charge now, would have the chance to gain an unbreakable upper hand. And with the momentum clearly in their grasp, England stepped up again. 

A through ball to Hudson-Odoi saw the woodwork-hitter redeem himself by playing the ball to Philip Foden who placed it clean into the net. England now had the lead. 3-2.

The next 20 minute period saw a tense contest unfold as Spain created multiple chances and England blocked them through their teeth. The game was becoming increasingly physical and cards had started to come out. But 82 minutes in, Mateu Jaume committed a foul that saw Hudson-odio send in a lethal free kick, causing a skirmish in front of the Spanish goal. The ball somehow fell to Marc Guehi who found the mark again.

The game was sealed. 4-2 with just a few minutes left. The England players celebrated with the substitutes and the coaching staff. Their month-long Indian adventure had resulted in victory. And the 66,000+ Kolkata crowd, by now, was backing them with their full vocal support.

Just to rub Spain's nose in it, Philip Foden scored one last goal in added time. A 5-2 decisive victory, and a vindication for the youth development revolution that started a few years back in England. The players took off their shirts and waved it around and danced as the U-17 World Cup theme music started playing.

The rest of the night was cut right out of a dream. Sunil Chhetri bringing out the World Cup winners' trophy. The England players taking a victory lap in front of a patient crowd that waited to greet them. The suffort staff joining in, kissing the trophy as glittering confetti spread out all over the battle-worn grass of the Salt Lake Stadium.

A successful conclusion of a historic event. The first ever World Cup on Indian soil. A catharsis for English football's rejuvenation project. And perhaps, in front of thousands at the venue and millions in front of TV, the inception of a dream, a hope, a distant but inevitable ambition for India.

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