High voltage drama at Sarusajai

U-17 World Cup

France to face Spain in pre-quarters today

By our sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 16: Former champion France will take on Spain in a high voltage pre quarter fils of the U-17 World Cup tomorrow evening. The game will kick off at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium here on 5 pm.

France entered into the last sixteen winning their all three games in the group in Guwahati and also got the opportunity to play the pre quarters at the same venue. The 2001 champions thrashed New Caledonia 7-1 in the first game and then earned well fought win against Japan (2-1) and later also thrashed Honduras 5-1 in the last group game. 

On the other hand Spain have come into this tourment as one of the favorites and are also seeking their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title. However they failed to live up to the expectations in the group stage and finished as second best team after Brazil.

France although scored the highest number of goals (14) in the group stages but they will, however, face their toughest test of the tourment tomorrow. Spain just five months back defeated France 3-1 in the quarter fils of UEFA European U-17 Championships.

Talking to the media persons on the eve of the match both the coaches gave equal respect to their opponent. France coach Lionel Rouxel said, “We know the side very well and they have a good coach and good players. So we have to prepare ourselves seriously for the game. We can’t afford to make mistakes and need to stay mentally strong.”

Spain head coach Santiago Denia however not thinking too much about his team’s performance in the group stage of the competition. According to him,” We have progressed to be better every day and I am optimistic that here too my boys will also be able to play good soccer.”

The Spanish coach also said that there is no special plan for French wrecker-in-chief Amine Gouiri who made it a habit to score goal in every match. However Spain has their own star in the form of Abel Ruiz who can easily easily create huge pressure on France defence with his spectacular foot work.