08 October,2017 01:29 AM IST | Kochi | Kashinath Bhattacharjee
European U-17 champions Spain were beaten by South American U-17 winners Brazil 1-2, in their opening Group D match on Saturday
European U-17 champions Spain were beaten by South American U-17 winners Brazil 1-2, in their opening Group D match on Saturday. The UEFA champions dominated the start as well as the second half. But Brazil did what they know best. They scored one more than the Spaniards and came back with three important points through goals from Lincoln and Paulinho in the first half.
Brazil striker Lincoln (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Spain in Kochi on Saturday. Pic/AFP
In the second half, it was more a reflection of Dunga's Brazil rather than the Neymars under coach Tite in the senior team. Numerous corners were conceded by the Brazil defence. Twice Spain had the opportunity to have free kicks in dangerous areas. But Abel Ruiz and Co. failed to find the net again after they did it in the fifth minute of the match through Wesley's own goal.
Dubbed as the match of the tournament, the encounter had everything a football lover looks for. Intricate passing, inviting crosses, wonderful ball control, dribbling past two or three players, passing correctly under pressure and delightful through balls cutting through the opponent defence were pleasing to one's eyes.
