2023 U-17 World Cup: Spain Wins Hard 1-0 Over Mali

Juan Hernandez, Spain's hero of victory over Mali. (photo: Instagram @fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA The Spanish U-17 national team narrowly won 1-0 over Mali in the second match of the 2023 U-17 World Cup Group B preliminary. Spain won the single goal while playing at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, Monday, November 13, 2023 evening WIB.

Spain struggled to beat ten Mali players through Barcelona's only goal from Barcelona's Juan Hernandez in the 62nd minute.

Actually, in the 33rd minute, Mali managed to break into the Spanish goal through a goal from Angel Martial Tia. However, the referee ruled out the goal after monitoring the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The reason is, Spanish player Daniel Yanez was first violated by Sekou Kone in a duel for the ball in midfield before Angel Martial broke into the net.

Mali harus bermain dengan ten pemain sejak lima menit sebelum waktu normal waktu babak pertama. Ini karena pemain mereka Mamadou Doumbia melanggar keras Pau Prim sehingga diluarkan wasit.

This victory makes Spain now sit at the top of the group standings with a collection of six points. Previously in the inaugural match, Spain successfully defeated Canada.

Meanwhile, this defeat made Mali continue to collect three points. They still have to fight until the last match of the group to make sure the ticket to the knockout round.

Lineup Of Players

Spain U-17 (4-3-3): Raul Loterre; Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi, Andres Cejudo, Munoz Navas; Quim Junyent, Pau Prim, Juan Torres; Yanes Barla, Marc Guiu, Pablo Lopez.

Mali U-17 (4-4-2): Bouruma Kome; Moussa Traore, Issa Traore, Baye Coulibaly, Souleymane Salogo; Ibrahim Kanate, Hamidou Makalou, Sekou Kone, Ibrahim Diara; Ange Martial, Mamadou Doumbia.