Coaches hope for U17 final classic

Epic encounters
These sides met there last Wednesday and in a pulsating encounter, France led three times only to draw 3-3, a result which allowed Spain to eventually top Group B on goal difference as both defeated Switzerland and the Republic of Ireland. To make the final each side overcame half-time deficits to win through on Tuesday, France ousting hosts Turkey on penalties while Spain edged past the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time. And the coaches are concerned that fatigue could prevent another classic.

Fatigue
Spain's Juan Santisteban, in his 13th European final and aiming for a sixth title at this level, said: "It is going to be difficult because fatigue is something that accumulates, and of course we have played four games in very few days. Also, it is a special occasion and you wonder if you can put on the same spectacle when you have a team up against you like France with tremendous quality. OK, we drew 3-3 in the group stage and it is very satisfying for me that people said after that game that we actually produced a spectacle that everyone enjoyed watching."

Smerecki hope
His opposite number, Francis Smerecki, added: "I agree with Juan, I hope the quality will be the same. The last one was a great spectacle, the quality was very high, and we just hope the players are not too tired so they can produce the same quality again. I also hope our lack of experience at this level will not affect the players on the field as for them this is their first final."

Positive approach
Suspension means Smerecki is without defender William Remy, who scored the third goal in the group encounter, but is keen his team take a positive attitude. "Hopefully it will be the same as the first game and especially in the same spirit. We hope the players have enough energy to please the fans and play very well. My message to the players is the same as in all the games, to let their creativity flow and take pleasure in playing."

Santisteban reflects
The match could have a special resonance if it proves to be the 71-year-old Santisteban's last final after two trophy-filled decades at the helm, following a playing career which included two European Champion Clubs' Cup triumphs with the Real Madrid CF team of the late 1950s. "I have to take on board the fact I cannot coach much longer," he said "It is upsetting to have to stop, I have to admit, but that's life, you have to accept it. If you start to look back, you remember it is not just about me but the whole coaching team and for the last six or seven years we have done something extraordinary." But Santisteban emphasised: "The important thing is not my feelings but the special occasion it signifies for the players, because to be in the final at this level is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."