Brazil U-17 2-1 Spain U-17 FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017: match report, goals, action
Spain gave up an early 1-0 lead and lost 2-1 to a Brazil side that dominated the ball for most of the game and took the chances they were givenBrazil - Belgium live online: World Cup 2018 quarter-final
Brazil 2-1 Spain: match report
A more composed and aggressive Brazil beat Spain in Kochi, India in the FIFA U17 World Cup on Saturday afternoon despite Santi Denia's side taking an early lead and starting better than their opponents. The battle of two of the tournament's heaviest hitters lived up to its billing but Spain will feel they might have gotten more from it if their approach was different.
Their passive tactics were not evident, however, in the opening exchanges. Hot prospect, Ferran Torres of Valencia, was looking particularly dangerous early on and had helped the ball onto Real Madrid's Moha as he turned the ball home after five minutes. It was Spain's second clear cut chance and the second one created by Torres.
The Spaniards were looking lethal in attack but Brazil slowly but surely turned the tide, calmed things down and started to throw the ball around with Spain too willing to concede possession and back off. In the humid heat of Kochi, it proved a fatal mistake by Denia.
The signs were there and Brazil landed their first blow twenty minutes after the opener when Lincoln slotted home following a good run down the left by his strike partner, Brenner. Spain failed to clear the danger and Lincoln was able to draw his side level on 25 minutes after swinging and missing with his first effort.
The game was completely turned on its head on the stroke of half-time as the impressive Paulinho of Vaso de Gama kept his cool and finished over Fernandez from a lovely pass by Santos.
Spain had to come out and attack the game like they hadn't in the first half but it was too little too late as they were incapable of breaking down Brazil's backline despite having the lion's share of chances. Ferran Torres, too often, was left to his own devices in an effort to save a point for Spain and Abel Ruiz was unable to get into the game as the disconnect between midfield and attack was clear for the majority of the game.
The battle of two of the tournament favourites went Brazil's way in the humid Kochi but if they manage to meet again, Spain might have more luck if they reassess their approach and play more like they did in the second 45.
Brazil U17 vs Spain U17: as it happened
Brazil U17 vs Spain U17 live stream online: preview
The champions of Europe and South America clash at the Jawaharalal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, as Brazil and Spain get Under 17 World Cup underway.
Brazil are seeking their second international title of the year, having already won their 12th South American Under-17 Football Championship in March. Spain have also tasted continental success, beating England on penalties in the final of the European Championship in Croatia. It may only be the second day of the World Cup in India, but this is a clash of two genuine title contenders.
Brazil latest news
The young Seleção have travelled to India a man short. Vinicius Junior had already been given the ticket for his flight when Flamengo decided they would not release their player, who impressed at the South American Championship in Chile to the extent that Real Madrid moved swiftly for his signature.
Carlos Amadeu's side still boast enviable firepower, not least in the form of Vasco de Gama's Paulinho. He scored the first goal in the final of their other tournament success this year, and is well aware of the magnitude of this first match:
"There’s no doubt that this game will show both teams where they stand and what their chances are like at this competition. It’s the first match and, at the same time, our first final," the 17-year-old told FIFA.com.
Neymar's big breakthrough came at the 2009 version of this tournament, and Vinicius Junior will shine as a more recent example of what came come from a strong showing.
Spain latest news
La Rojita are at their first U17 World Cup since 2009, having failed to qualify for the last three tournaments. Málaga's Borja Bastón was the joint-top scorer in that tournament with five goals, while Isco and Álvaro Morata also formed part of the Spanish squad that finished in third place.
Spain will hope to improve on that performance this time around and add a second title to an already successful year.
Barcelona's Abel Ruiz has been involved with the Under-17s set-up since 2015, and boasts a goal-scoring record of 19 goals in 23 appearances. The captain will be joined in the Spanish attack by Ferran Torres, the man dubbed as the 'new Marco Asensio'. Real Madrid and Barcelona are thought to be squabbling over the signing of the forward who has already made the step up from Valencia's youth sides to their B team.
Brazil U17 vs Spain U17 live stream online: predicted line-ups
Brazil U17 vs Spain U17 live stream online: odds and betting
The bookies are finding this one difficult to call, with both sides available at 6/4.