Spain left flying flag for Europe
Monday, August 25, 2003
Article summary
Spain reached the last four of the FIFA Under-17 World Championship after beating Portugal on Sunday.
Article body
Cesc double
In a re-run of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final earlier this year, which Portugal won 2-1, two goals from Cesc and further strikes from Sánchez, Xisco and Jurado gave Juan Santisteban's team sweet revenge - and set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Argentina in Töölö on Wednesday.
Early goal
Spain had to come from behind after Manuel Curto headed the Portuguese into a third-minute lead but Jurado found a 28th-minute leveller and moments before half-time, Mário Felgueiras was beaten by Cesc's first strike, a classic downward header.
Lead stretched
Xisco struck with a fierce shot five minutes after the interval and after hitting the woodwork with another ferocious effort, he combined well with Cesc, who slotted his second goal of the game on 78 minutes to make it 4-1.
Great free-kick
Vieira curled in a free-kick to close the gap as the clock ticked down but when Cases was pulled down in the penalty area during added time, Jurado stepped up to bury the spot-kick and ensure Spain are the tournament's sole remaining European side.
'Better team'
Victorious Spanish coach Juan Santisteban said: "We were the better team by far. The players played as a team and enjoyed themselves on the pitch. More than anything, this is what stood out for me today."
Generous in defeat
Meanwhile, Portugal coach António Violante was generous in defeat. "Spain won very well," he said. "They were the team that we knew they were, but this time we didn't find a way to beat them. I hope they reach the final and win it."
Violante expects more
Looking back at the sides' previous meeting this year Violante added: "Spain did things in this match that they didn't do in the final of the European Championship. In the first half we performed well but after the third goal the game was over. I know that our defence conceded too many goals, but I also expect more from the strikers."
Semi-finals
Wednesday's other semi-final will see Brazil, 3-0 winners against the United States, meet Colombia, who overcame Costa Rica.
