Saturday 28 October 2017, 19:10

Young Lions savour sweet taste of victory, Brazil finish third

  • England crowned new FIFA U-17 World Cup winners

  • Brazil win Play-off for Third Place

  • Three Lions' Rhian Brewster wins top scorer award

DAY REPLAYED - After 52 games in 22 days, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 has its champion: England. In a repeat of the European U-17 Championship final in May, the Three Lions again faced Spain, this time emerging victorious after coming back from 2-0 down to win a thrilling game 5-2.

The result caps an outstanding year for England's youth sides, following the nation's victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 in June.

Meanwhile, Spain's dream of lifting the World Cup at U-17 level again came up short. The Iberians have now lost in four finals at the tournament: 1991, 2003, 2007 and 2017.

In the Play-off For Third Place, Brazil ended their campaign on a high by beating Mali 2-0, as goals from Alan and Yuri Alberto saw off the 2015 runners-up.

The games Play-off for Third Place Brazil 2-0 Mali

Final England 5-2 Spain

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What we learned New records. A total of 183 goals in 52 matches is a new U-17 World Cup record, surpassing the 172 scored at UAE 2013. In terms of spectators, India 2017 also leaves the 16 previous editions of the competition trailing in its wake. Over 1.2 million supporters visited the six stadiums used; the next-highest total attendance was at Mexico 2011, which attracted just over a million fans.

Fair play to the fore, even in victory. As the final whistle sounded in the third-place play-off, Mali's players collapsed to their knees in disappointment, none more so than goalkeeper Youssouf Koita, whose error set Brazil on their way to victory. Indeed, the Mali custodian could not hold back the tears at full time, and as his team-mates attempted to lift him back up onto his feet, something quite remarkable occurred. Several Brazilian players momentarily forgot their joy at winning the bronze medal and sought the crestfallen keeper out to console him. It was a truly memorable gesture of fair play.

Personal accolades. Rhian Brewster's eight goals ensured he took home the adidas Golden Boot award for the top goalscorer ahead of Mali's Lassana N'Diaye and Spain's Abel Ruiz. The adidas Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player was won by Brewster's team-mate Philip Foden.

Click here to see all the individual award winners

A footballing feast. Both Spain and England more than played their part in a U-17 World Cup final worthy of the name, and the 66,684 fans at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata were treated to football and entertainment of the very highest order from start to finish.

Europe's two best sides threw caution to the wind and went all out for a maiden world title at this level. The footballing treat they served up ensured this U-17 World Cup will leave a sweet taste indeed.

The stat 1 - For the very first time at India 2017, England had to come from behind to win a game, and that after just ten minutes in the final itself. When Sergio Gomez netted his and Spain's second goal after half an hour, the Three Lions' dream was lying in tatters. However, Steve Cooper's side showed heart and character to turn the game around in the most dramatic fashion.

The quote "We have to be honest and admit that this was our worst performance at this World Cup. We had luck on our side, though. For our opening goal, the defender loses the ball, Alan doesn't quite catch the ball right and the goalkeeper makes a decisive error. Mali are a great team with some excellent individual players. We know we can play better and we wanted to give the fans a show. Unfortunately we didn't manage to do that. Nevertheless, we're obviously pleased to have closed things out in a positive way." Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu