FIFA U-17 World Cup: Spain’s road to final in pictures

England and Spain lock horns in hope of a maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title when they clash in Kolkata on Saturday. Few months back, it was Spain who emerged the winner of Euro U-17 against the same team in the final. It is time for yet another final showdown. Here is a lookback at Spain U-17’s road to the final in the tournament hosted by India for the first time. (Source: PTI)

It was not an ideal start for Santiago Denia’s team, who were defeated 2-1 in their opening Group D match to Brazil at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. (Source: PTI)

The defeat however did not affect their confidence and they took it all out on their second encounter, thrashing Niger 4-0 with goals from Abel Ruiz (21′ & 41′), César Gelabert (45+1) and Sergio Gómez (82′). (Source: PTI)

Mohamed Moukhliss and Cesar Gelabert helped the Spaniards book a seat in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 win over North Korea. (Source: PTI)

Abel Ruiz’s side were in for a thrilling fixture when they met their European neighbours France in the Round of 16. Even though the French had the lead in the beginning, Spain came from behind to win the match 2-1. (Source: Reuters)

Spain’s match against Iran would have been brushed away as an easy fixture before the tournament began. But Iran’s performance throughout the tournament meant that there were no clear favourites before the match started. However, Iran could not stand strong against the Spanish attack, going down 3-1 in the quarterfinal. (Source: Reuters)

Spain booked their spot in the final of FIFA U-17 World Cup against England when they beat Mali 3-1 in the semifinal in Navi Mumbai. The European side led 2-0 at half-time thanks to a penalty and a slide-rule finish from captain Abel Ruiz. (Source: Reuters)