The spectators at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium could not have asked for a better final of the historic Under-17 World Cup as England came from two goals down to beat Spain 5-2 in a thrilling all-European title-decider.
The grand finale witnessed a thunderous start with both the teams enjoying ample chances early on. The Spain goalie was forced into a save in the very first minute as England dominated the early proceedings. However, it was Spain who broke the deadlock when Sergio Gomez put them in front in the 10th minute.
10 minutes later, Spain had the chance to double their lead soon when Moukhliss was put through with only the goalkeeper to bear. However, a poor touch from the midfielder helped the English goalie to avert the danger. But the Spanish colts soon made amends for their horrible miss as Sergio Gomez finished off a brilliant move with an equally impressive goal just after the half-hour mark.
https://twitter.com/semprebarcaa/status/924292877026344961
But just when it looked Spain would have it easy, England pulled one back just minuted before the break when the in-form Rhian Brewster scored a header from a delicious cross by right-back Sessegnon. It was a fitting end to the half which kept the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.
England started on the front-foot in the second half, pressing Spain right from the word go and they reaped the reward for their effort when Morgan Gibbs-White scored the equaliser 13 minutes after the restart.
Sessegnon was once again the provider as he utilized the space left by Miranda before sending in a low cross into the box which was coolly tapped in by Gibbs-White. 9 minutes later, England went ahead for the first time in the match when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross from the left was converted by Phil Foden at the far post. Both the teams kept on getting chances but it was England once again who got on the score-sheet to put the game to the bed.
Marc Guehi was the goal-scorer, knocking home the ball after a set-piece from Hudson-Odoi was headed down by Brewster. But just when it seemed it is all over, England inflicted more pain on the Spanish colts as Foden scored his team’s 5th seal the game.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the game:
What an achievement from @England U17’s Foden & Brewster outstanding along with plenty of others! Well done to the Gaffer Steve Cooper!!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) October 28, 2017
Congratulations @england U17's! Great character shown. Brilliant performances all tournament. World Cup winners! #U17WorldCupfinal ?
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) October 28, 2017
????? England U17's 5-2 Spain U17's. #U17WorldCupfinal pic.twitter.com/hyF0iILrzm
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) October 28, 2017
The English always liked their time in Calcutta #ENGvESP
— Ankit Bhardwaj (@ankitbhardy) October 28, 2017
England are the first country in history to win three major men's underage tournaments in a single year. Truly exceptional.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) October 28, 2017
How wonderful to see an England football team play with zest and joy. #U17WorldCupfinal
— Eleanor Oldroyd (@EllyOldroyd) October 28, 2017
4-2! England going to win it. Hope the seniors are watching #ENGvESP #U17WorldCupfinal
— Omid Djalili (@omid9) October 28, 2017
Can England pick this team for next year's World Cup?#U17WorldCupfinal
— Ian McDougall (@IanMcDougall1) October 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/OldBlackHack/status/924308977336414210
https://twitter.com/imcourtneyallen/status/924308593112961024
SPAIN WHAT IS YOU DOING #ENGvESP pic.twitter.com/TFm5oqC3ad
— Jeff Acheampong (@jeff11_official) October 28, 2017
69' Making a comeback from 0-2 and scoring three goals in 30 minutes speak volume about Cooper's team. Kudos to boys #ENGvESP #FIFAU17WC
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/Arnaizismo_/status/924296840031465473