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Spain vs Mali, FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, semi-final 2
Time: 8 pm IST
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Live Telecast: Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 3
Live Streaming: Sony Liv App
Live Updates: Spain vs Mali LIVE
Spain will face Mali in the second semi-final of the FIFA U17 World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. 2015's runners-up and two-time African champions will face the European champions in a cracking match at Navi Mumbai.
La Rojas had a convincing 3-1 win against Iran in the quarter-finals while African giants Mali had a struggling win against Ghana in a controversial match in Guwahati. Spain faced Brazil, Niger, North Korea and strong France on their way to the semi-finals while Mali faced Paraguay, Turkey, New Zealand and Iraq on their way to this stage.
The Eagles have been is spectacular in the World Cup scoring 15 goals and conceding just 6 in 5 games they have played, while Spain scored 12 and conceded just 4 in the tournament. Mali's star Lassana Ndiaye has 5 goals in the tournament while the Spaniard Abel Ruiz scored 4. Spanish coach Santi was reckoned about their defence before the start of the tournament but their defence has been strong throughout the World Cup just loosing to the title contenders Brazil. Captain Abel Ruiz after that match against Iran said that: "I am very happy with the defence and the defence has improved a lot from the match against Brazil and we have a very solid defence and we are happy about that."
Mali are the more attacking side and we will have to see how the Spanish defence is tested by the Mali strikers. On the other hand, the Mali fullbacks will have a headache from the Spanish wingers who are good at creating space and going forward with the ball.
The U17 African champions played their group stage matches at the DY Patil Stadium and are well-versed to the condition at Mumbai. The biggest barrier Spain has to face is the exhausting-humidity at Mumbai before facing the runners-up of 2015 U17 World cup.
Both the teams have been balanced throughout the tournament in attack and defence and we will have to wait to see if Mali are getting going to play a second consecutive final at the U17 World Cup or Spain will show their strength against the African giants
Catch the live action at 8:00 PM today on Sony TEN Channel. You can also follow Sportskeeda's live commentary.
