Attacking Spain see off Niger
EASY WIN After demoralising loss to Brazil in first game, European champions come back hard
KOCHI: Spain put on a mesmerising attacking display as they handed Niger a 4-0 thrashing to complete their first win of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Tuesday. Barcelona’s Abel Ruiz scored twice, while Cesar Gelabert and Sergio Gomez scored one each in what was a comprehensive win for the Santiago Deniacoached side. Niger were the better team off the blocks as they dominated the game in the opening minutes, much to the surprise of Spain. The first eight minutes saw Niger earn three corners, albeit they failed to create any significant chance. In the ninth minute, forward Ibrahim Boubacar managed to leap over the Spanish backline to meet the end of a cross. His header, however, went straight into the hands of Spain goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez.
As the game progressed, Spain started to settle down and began to enjoy more possession. The European champions played with more flair, and in the 21st minute, they took advantage of a defensive error to take the lead.
As full-back Juan Miranda sent in a low cross from the left, the Niger defence failed to clear the ball despite being presented with a chance. It ended up at the feet of Barcelona starlet Ruiz, who calmly tapped in for his side’s first goal of the match.
Abel Ruiz missed a golden chance to double his side’s lead when he headed over a lobbed cross from Mohamed Moukhliss in the 32nd minute. He made no mistake, however, when nine minutes later, Gomez passed to him from a free kick near the corner. Ruiz’s first shot was blocked, but he finished off from the rebound to double Spain’s lead.