FIFA Under-17 W/Cup: Spain Sink Mali, Advance To Final

Spain have qualified for the finals of the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup, after defeating 2015 runners-up Mali 3-1 at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in India.

Abel Ruiz and Ferran Torres were both on target as Santi Denia’s side withstood a spirited Malian side to reach the final.

Spains win was marred with controversy when Mali midfielder Chieck Doucoure’s powerful long-range shot found its way past Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez but the referee failed to call the goal despite the ball clearly crossing over the line.

In With goal-line technology and VAR not available for the tournament, the West African’s were left licking their wounds as the referee refused to change his mind and not award the strike in what could have been the goal of the tournament.

La Roja who have finished as runners-up on three occasions in the youth championship, will now face England in the Finals on Saturday.

While Mali will be up against Brazil hoping to get a consolation in the third place.