FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017: England Crowned Champions After Stunning Comeback Vs Spain
England made a remarkable comeback from two goals down to outclass three-time runners-up Spain 5-2 and clinch their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup at a packed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
Highlights
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England made a remarkable comeback from two goals down
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England beat Spain 5-2 to lift title
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England piled on the misery by scoring five back-to-back goals vs Spain
England made a remarkable comeback from two goals down to outclass three-time runners-up Spain 5-2 and clinch their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup at a packed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. England have now done a FIFA double in the same year, having won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in June. Spain took the early advantage in the final, thanks to a first-half brace by Sergio Gomez. The Spaniard found the net in 10th and 31st minute of the game.
But his effort was wiped out soon and England piled on the misery by scoring five back-to-back goals against Spain to clinch their maiden title.
England scored five goals through Rhian Brewster (44th), Morgan Gibbs White (58th), Phil Foden (69th, 88th) and Marc Guehi (84th).
England missed a couple of chances in the first half, but Rhian Brewster's 44th minute goal helped his team make it 1-2 against Spain at a jam-packed Salt Lake stadium. Both teams went into the half-time with score reading 2-1 in favour of Spain.
Things changed dramatically in the second half as England got on the offensive and put the Spanish back-line under tremendous pressure.
Gibbs tapped home an inch-perfect cross to make it 2-2.
Foden then found the target in the 69th minute and the winners literally sealed the issue in the 84th minute with the fourth goal scored by Marc Guehi.
The Young Lions rubbed salt on Spain's wound by scoring a 88th minute goal to make it 5-2.
It was a sweet revenge as England had lost to La Rojas juniors in the U-17 European Championship, earlier this year.
Earlier Brazil beat Mali 2-0 in the third-place playoff to earn a consolation after they lost to England in the semi-final.
Alan scored in the 55th minute when Mali goalkeeper Youssouf Koita fumbled the Palmeiras striker's shot which went past him into the net. Substitute Yuri Alberto scored the second in the 88th minute. With the Mali defence tiring, Brenner crossed from the right and Yuri was unmarked to fire in from close range.
(With PTI Inputs)