Kochi: Islamic Republic of Iran's gallant run in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 came to an end after Team Melli fell 3-1 to European champions Spain in their quarter-final tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Sunday.
It was the European champions that dominated proceedings from the kick-off, with Abel Ruiz putting them ahead before the quarter-hour mark. On the rebound, the Spain captain drove his shot past Iran goalkeeper Ali Gholam Zadeh.
La Rojita nearly doubled their advantage, but Gholam Zadeh made a superb save to deny Cesar Gelabert at his feet, with the ball flying over the Iran crossbar.
Any hopes Iran had of a comeback ended on the hour mark, as Sergio Gomez scored a fantastic goal when he took a Ferran Torres pass before turning and beating Gholam Zadeh with long-distance strike off his left foot.
Torres then added a third goal when he finished off Mohamed Moukliss’s low cross.
Though Saeid Karimi pulled a goal back for Iran, Spain held on to secure their spot in the last four and a meeting with Mali in Navi, Mumbai on Wednesday.
Sources: FIFA / Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com