Banned Bojan earns Spain final

Bojan Krkić's strike four minutes from the end of extra time took Spain through to their third FIFA U-17 World Cup final with a 2-1 win against Ghana in Korea Republic – but the FC Barcelona forward will miss Sunday's decider.

Lead short-lived
In torrential rain in Ulsan, the European champions were given a tough test by their African opponents but the breakthrough came for Juan Santisteban's side in the 67th minute when Iago Falqué's cross was controlled at the second attempt by Dani Aquino and he finished confidently. However, with ten minutes left Abeiku Quansah's clever pass found Sadick Adams and his well-placed strong shot gave Spain goalkeeper David de Egea no chance.

Bittersweet Bojan
Adams, who already knew he would be suspended for a potential final, was taken off on a stretcher at the end of the first period of extra time but it seemed Ghana would hold on for spot-kicks until Spain were given a free-kick on the angle of byline and penalty box. Fran Mérida pulled the ball back to the edge of the area for the unmarked Bojan, who had struck the only goal of the European final against England, and his effort crept through the crowded goalmouth and into the net. However, there was an unhappy ending for Bojan as he received a second yellow card in injury time and his sending-off means he will miss Sunday's showpiece in Seoul against the winners of tomorrow's encounter between Germany and African champions Nigeria. Spain's previous finals under Santisteban were in 1991 – against Ghana – and 2003, when they lost to Brazil.