FIFA U-17 World Cup: Spain look to shine after early setback

Spain were considered to be the perennial underachiever before 2008 Euro. In the U-17 World Cup, too, Spanish youth teams had reached the final thrice – in Italy (1991); Finland (2003); South Korea (2007) — but yet to win it.

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The team led by Abel Ruiz lost to Brazil in their opening match at Kochi, making it difficult to qualify for the knockout from the 'group of death'. After the Spanish colts practised here yesterday morning, coach Santiago Denia said: "Yes, losing the first match complicated things for us with Niger winning their first match against Korea DPR. But we are thinking only about a win against Niger and then to qualify for the knockout."