Colombia - Spain: U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final preview

After beating Nigeria in the semi-final on penalties, Colombia will come up against Spain in the U-17 Women’s World Cup final, this Sunday. The match will take place at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai at 9:30 a.m. Colombian Time (4:30 a.m. CEST).

Spain, under the tutelage of Kenio Gonzalo, will be looking to repeat the performance against Colombia in the group stage, a 1-0 win with a goal from Jone Amezaga in the 85th minute. Gonzalo’s side have won all but one game so far, a 2-1 loss to Mexico, but have impressed throughout.

In the semi-final stage they managed to avenge their Euro heartbreak by beating Germany 1-0, thanks to a late Lucía Corrales goal.

They have a host of star players, including FC Barcelona midfielder, Vicky López, who, despite being only 16, many see as the future of the Catalan club. Carla Camacho is another player used frequently by Kenio Gonzalo; a tall, fast striker, she has caught the eye of many during this tournament after strong performances in Spain for Real Madrid.

Carlos Paniagua has not lost a game since the opening day defeat to Spain. His side impressed in the group stages beating Mexico and China, but it is Deportivo Cali striker Linda Caicedo who is taking the headlines with four goals so far.

The first Colombian national side to reach a World Cup final, they will be relying on the mental strength that got them through a long penalty shoot-out in the last round versus Nigeria. Before that they overcame Tanzania in a crazy 3-0 win that saw the African side reduced to 9 players.

Spain have won all of their matches so far in the last 15 minutes - they reached the final after a 90th minute winner against Germany - owing to intense preparation methods and a strong team bond. Colombia will have to stay switched on until the final whistle if they are to surprise the favourites on Sunday.

The match will be free to watch on FIFA+.

Colombia vs Spain - FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final