Spain youngsters face final test

By Andy Hall

The 14th FIFA World Youth Championship final takes place in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates this evening as Spain and Brazil come face to face in what looks set to be a mouthwatering encounter.

Score to settle
The game has an added dimension in that Spain will be out to avenge their defeat in the FIFA Under-17 World Championship final against the Brazilians in Helsinki earlier this year. Brazil, meantime, are looking to add to their three previous world youth titles, won in 1983, 1985 and 1993, and join South American neighbours Argentina as four-times champions. If Spain win it will be their second triumph in the competition and would bring Europe level with South America on seven wins apiece.

Classy Spain
Always the favourites from the six European contenders who started the tournament, Spain have impressed with their classy play and gutsy performances, despite losing their opening game 2-1 against Argentina. Coach Armando Ufarte has built a side that possesses stubborn defensive capabilities, merciless attacking skills and team spirit in abundance. "When we had Vitolo sent off against Canada [in the quarter-finals], we were down to ten men and we simply had to win," Ufarte said.

Stay sharp
"Luckily we managed to come through. I had every faith in my players, but I knew we would have a hard time of it because of the knock-on effect of so many matches on the lads' stamina," he continued. "Every last one of them is raring to go for this game. It's a huge opportunity for my lads, so it's vital we stay sharp."

Solid rearguard
One of the noteworthy features in Ufarte's squad has been the central defensive pairing of Carlos García and Juan Andreu 'Melli', who have looked solid and composed throughout. Equally as strong are Brazil's backline pair Alcides Eduardo and Adailton although they have leaked more goals than their rivals - six in six games - twice as many as the Spanish.

Attacking firepower
Brazil have the edge in attack having recorded 13 goals to Spain's seven. Reference points in coach Marcos Paquetá's attack include Kléber, who recently joined FC Dynamo Kyiv, Nilmar, Juninho Adriano and Dudú Cearense, whose winning header against Argentina, his third strike of the competition, was enough to book a place in the final.

Forward options
Spain's Sergio García has struggled at times as the team's lone striker, but has still managed to find the target twice - including once from the penalty spot against Mali. Like Brazil though, Spain can also call on other players to score - with Juanfran, Gabi and Ferrán Corominas all capable of helping out up front or even leading the attack.

Golden Ball
However at the heart of Spain's progress has been playmaker Andrés Iniesta. Hot favourite to win the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament, Iniesta has orchestrated all five of Spain's victories and is the country's top scorer, having topped efforts against Colombia and Canada with a stunning strike curled from the edge of area to secure victory against Uzbekistan. Brazil's candidate for the award, Daniel Carvalho, has also had a superb tournament, and like his Spanish counterpart, he is a expert free-kick taker.

Duo sidelined
However, Carvalho, along with Carlos Alberto, will miss the final through suspension - which could tip the balance in the European side's favour. Spain can welcome back midfield player Víctor Añino 'Vitolo' after a one-match ban for his quarter-final dismissal against Canada. Indeed, Ufarte is able to call on a complete squad, with defender Alexis Ruano available again after injury.