Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Kochi, October 8
A dominant Brazil made a strong statement of their top title contender status with a 2-1 victory over Spain in a Group D marquee clash of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today. In the much-anticipated encounter in front of a sell-out crowd, Spain made a flying start and took the lead in the fifth minute through an own goal by Brazil defender Wesley, but soon lost the plot as the Brazilians turned the tables on them.Brazil, the crowd favourites, took control of the match just after conceding the goal with far more possession. They scored through Lincoln (25th minute) and Paulinho (45+1).The absence of Vinicius Junior was not felt as Brazil’s attacking trio of Lincoln, Paulinho and Brenner played well in tandem.Spain began the match brightly, pressing hard. Wesley could not avoid finding the back of his own net after Ferran Torres delivered a dangerous low cross from the right that nearly picked out his teammate Mohamed Moukhliss at the far post.Spain’s initial domination lasted for a few minutes before Brazil began to impose themselves on the match.It was a matter of time before Brazil restored parity as Paulinho, Lincoln and Brenner began to have clear looks at the Spain goal.A brilliant grounded cross from the left by Brenner found Lincoln in the perfect position inside the box and he slotted the ball home in his second attempt.In the 34th minute, Spain defender Mateu Jaume was taken off due to dehydration and was replaced by Victor Perea Gomez. Brazil took the lead in the first half injury time. Marcos Antonio’s brilliant lobbed pass found Paulinho in a perfect position to fire it in. It was end-to-end action in most part of the second half. Spain looked for goals but Brazil hit them on the counter at will.
