Spain confirm last-16 spot

Spain confirmed their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after beating Syria 2-1 while France's hopes of progression hang in the balance as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Haiti in Korea Republic.

Late winner
UEFA European Under-17 Championship victors Spain kept up their perfect start in Group C but needed an added-time winner to overcome Syria at the Ulsan Complex Stadium. In wet conditions Spain had the better of the early play but had to wait until eleven minutes into the second half before taking the lead through Fran Mérida. Syria managed to draw level 14 minutes later when Solaiman Solaiman converted from the penalty spot but Spain had the final say as Dani Aquino side-footed in from close range. It was enough to keep Spain top of the section, two points ahead of Argentina, who beat Honduras 4-1.

France stunned
Meanwhile, in Group D France could only take a point from their meeting with Haiti in Gwangyang. Damien Le Tallec gave them the lead 13 minutes in after converting Thibaut Bourgeois's cross but Haiti, making their debut in the competition, equalised eight minutes later after being awarded a penalty that Peterson Desrivires duly scored. Nigeria won 3-0 against Japan in the group's other game meaning that they made it through to the last-16 while France must beat the Asian champions in their final game on Saturday to join them.