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Journalism of Courage
An excellent second half performance from England and a brace from Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden helped England come from two goals down in the first half to beat Spain 5-2 to lift their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Kolkata on Saturday. Played at the Salt Lake Stadium in front of over 66,000 fans, England gave them a game to remember as the Steve Cooper-managed side didn’t collapse despite going 2-0 down early in the contest. The win helps England to add to their U-20 World Cup glory earlier in the year.
The last time England and Spain met, La Rojita were on the celebrating end as they equalised with the final kick of the ball at the Euros before triumphing on penalties. Fast forward to the ‘big one’ in India, England got their chance to celebrate – and without the nerves of penalties.
Barcelona’s Sergio Gomez gave Spain the lead after Morgan Gibbs-White failed to make the most of a chance for England in as early as the third minute. Gomez, looked offside, as he found himself near the England defensive line but on further analysis he was played on by an England player. He doubled Spain’s lead, under no controversy this time, when he lashed home a left footed shot into the top corner past Curtis Anderson in England goal.
England got one back at the stroke of half time when Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster scored to make it 2-1. The Three Lions could have levelled matters but fore being denied by a fingertip save and earlier by the post.
But England didn’t have to wait long for the equaliser as Gibbs-White latched on to Foden’s pass and finished on 58 minutes. Foden then bagged his opener before before Marc Guehi made it 4-2 after a little scramble inside the Spain box.
Foden, the Player of the Match, then gave England a convincing 5-2 lead which they held on to to win the title and lead to massive celebrations.
Earlier, midfielder Alan’s 55th-minute opener and substitute Yuri Alberto’s late goal helped three-times champions Brazil overcome Mali 2-0 for their second bronze medal.
