‘Brazil blemish apart, Spain are inspired and raring to go’

the final. That was the only time Spain played Brazil in U-17 World Cup competitions before both countries again met in Kochi on October 7. Losing the final at any level is always tough and the 2003 U-17 final was no different. Spain tried everything possible after conceding early. Brazil’s organised defence thwarted their attacks throughout the game.

Brazil have been one of the finest exponents of football for time immemorial. To play against them is never easy for any team in the world, leave alone Spain. In retrospect, overall it was a very good tournament, and I think it benefited the players who then went on to represent the country with pride and won many laurels too. Spain have qualified for the U-17 WC after eight years, so surely the team is raring to go.

The team is coming at the back of winning the U-17 European Championship in Croatia so they should take a lot of encouragement from that.

The current squad has a few new names but the core remains the same, so I believe they stand a good chance of making history.

Captain and forward Abel Ruiz has been in great form so the team doesn’t have to go too far to get inspiration. He showed his qualities against Niger. Having said that, I feel Carlos Beitia has also been solid at the back and created some good chances upfront.

Spain have produced many players who have gone on to become stars and legends of the game. But honestly, it’s not easy to be a footballer in Spain. The grind there is something you won’t see elsewhere. The moment you kick the first ball in life is when the competition starts, first to be the best in your family, then community, then school, then youth club then college and so on and so forth. And, then, there are only a few clubs that have youth systems to match the history of their club like Real Madrid and Barcelona, so for our country, it’s more like embarrassment of riches when it comes to footballers.

I can see a lot of passion for football in India too. The U-17 World Cup here will do a lot of good for Indian football. I saw a couple of their matches on TV, and they showed lot of guts and, mind you, there is enough talent out there.

This U-17 World Cup will change the world view of Indian football as well. The ISL is gaining popularity among European countries.

The ISL over the last three years has been able to ignite the passion among players and fans alike in India. If the ISL clubs start setting up academies like FC Pune City has, it will further strengthen the system.