India Watches As Spain And England Attempt To Win First Under-17 WC Crown
Kolkata: At Barcelona’s famous football factory La Masia, when the players gather for a match, they are often reminded about the importance of destino perfecto (perfect finish).
Having progressed through the ranks at the academy, Abel Ruiz and Sergio Gomes — two of Barcelona ‘B’ team players — they are only too familiar with this phrase. The duo will be trying to do just that at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
Spain may be in the grip of a political crisis following Catalonia’s push for independence. But as Spain gear up to battle England in the under-17 World Cup final, the onus is on the duo to end La Rojita’s 26-year wait for the trophy. After finishing runners- up thrice ( 1991, 2003 and 2007), Spain have another opportunity to get the monkey off their back.
England’s longing for the trophy is equally pronounced given the fact that this is their maiden entry into final. Their ambitions should be further fuelled by the prospect of emulating their under-20 side, which was crowned world champions four months ago.
It means the tournament will have a new winner — ninth overall. Saturday’s final is also the first all-European affair in the competition’s history.
Back in May, these two sides met in the final of the Uefa European under- 17 championship, which served as qualifiers for the World Cup. Spain had the last laugh as England were struck by the curse of penalty shootout after the two teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation time.
England coach Steve Cooper insisted that revenge would not be hard-wired into his team’s collective consciousness and it would be “business-as-usual” for the English Lions.
England centre-back Joel Latibeaudiere, who will lead the Young Lions in the final here, had missed a penalty in the European showdown (May 19) and Spain raced to a 4-1 win in the shootout. He was so disappointed after the defeat that he wanted an immediate rematch to set the record straight.
Five months later, Joel finally has a chance to do just that. England have made all the right noises with their passing football in a prolific campaign. They will be looking for a final hurrah.
With the likes of Phil Foden, Callum Hudson and Rhian Brewster all coming to the party, England have been pragmatic yet promising, physical yet prolific, focused yet adventurous. Just one team — Spain — a country that has dominated both youth and senior international football in recent years now stands between them and glory.
Spain coach Santiago Denia Sanchez spelled out his team’s plans, saying “We know how England play. We are planning to defend as a team. And one way of defending as a team is to keep the ball in possession,” he said.
Battle on for Golden Boot
Both Cooper and Sanchez maintained that the final will be a battle between the two teams, and not individuals. However, one key sub-plot of the summit clash will revolve around Brewster and Ruiz. The duo is not only the focal point of their respective team’s attacking line but also battling for the ownership of the Golden Boot.
Liverpool’s Brewster is currently leading the scoring chart with seven goals, followed by Barcelona graduate Ruiz and Mali’s Lassana Ndiaye (six goals each).
Since their arrival in India, Spain players have set up a WhatsApp group where they share their experience as notes on the games. Defender and a Valencia ‘B’ team player Hugo Guillamon revealed on Friday that the group name has been changed to “India 100%”, adding that they are “cent per cent” ready to win the trophy.
With a packed Salt Lake Stadium expected to break the tournament’s attendance record, a new winner will be coronated on Saturday.
The stage is set for destino perfecto.
never met before faced each other seven times in U-17 Euros. Spain won four times and England twice, one ending in a draw
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