European champions Spain staved off a battling Mali to emerge 3-1 winners to enter the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the D Y Patil Stadium, yesterday. Spain scored twice in the first half, both the goals coming from striker Abel Ruiz, and added one more through a headed goal by Ferran Torres to take a commanding 3-0 lead before Mali found the mark for the first and only time through their own top goal getter Lassana N'Diaye in the 74th minute.
Spain's Ruiz (right) against Mali. Pic/Suresh Karkera
By virtue of this win, Spain has entered the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the fourth time and their first appearance in the title clash since 2007.
Spain's Ferran Torres
Mali also had an attempt that appeared like a legitimate goal which was controversially not signalled in by the assistant referee, when they were trailing 0-2 before Spain scored their third goal to virtually shut off the contest although Mali fought hard till the end. The victory by Spain after staving off a late fight-back by the African age group champions has, thus, piloted them into a final clash against England on October 28.
