England stun Brazil, set up final date with Spain

Heartbreak for Mali

• Mumbai: Spain entered the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 3-1 win over an impressive Mali at Mumbai. Abel Ruiz (19th, 43rd minutes) struck twice for Spain before half-time while Ferran Torres (71st) got the third goal. Lassana N’Diaye scored a consolation goal for Mali in the 74th minute. This is the fourth time Spain have entered the final; however, they have never won the title. It was heartbreak for Mali as they crashed out despite playing impressive football. The Africans played exciting, attacking football throughout their campaign and Wednesday’s match was no different. Mali, who had reached the final of the previous edition in 2015, matched Spain move for move. It was only the superb finishing ability of Spain’s centre forward Ruiz that made all the difference in the contest

Rhian Brewster struck a sensational hat-trick, his second in as many matches, as England handed pre-tournament favourites Brazil a stunning 3-1 defeat to cruise into their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup final at Kolkatta. Brewster, who had scored a hat-trick in his side’s 4-1 decimation of the USA in the quarterfinals on Saturday, scored in the 10th, 39th and 77th minutes in front of a shell-shocked Brazil-supporting packed house.

England, who reached the semis for the first time in their fourth appearance, were clearly the better side  as they did not allow Brazil to get on top. England played an open game and had almost equal possession at 46 per cent, and their attacking trio of Phil Phoden, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Brewster created a lot of problems for the Brazil defence. England had five shots on target while Brazil had nine but the South American champions were uncharacteristically wayward. Their famous creativity was not there as England dominated the midfield play.

England moved ahead in the 10th minute when Hudson-Odoi cut in from the left flank and his pin-point cross was prodded towards the goal by Brewster. Brazil keeper Brazao just about managed to push the ball out, but Brewster slammed it back in on the rebound.

Brazil, however, didn’t take long to draw parity. In the 21st minute, after a neat exchange of passes with Marcos Antonio, Paulinho drilled in a low shot straight to the England goalkeeper, who failed to make a neat stop. On the rebound, a lurking Wesley fired the ball into the open net. England, however, kept up the pressure and regained the lead in the 39th minute with Brewster scoring from close range.