Saturday 01 December 2018, 23:50

Pina-inspired Spain win maiden U-17 Women's World Cup title 

Spain edged Mexico 2-1 in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay 2018 final, thanks largely to Claudia Pina's first-half brace, to be crowned champions for the first time in the country's history.

Spain started on the front foot and took control of the game with their quick passing and consistent off-the-ball movement and their opening goal was a result of that.

Maria Mendez played a long, diagonal pass for Salma Paralluelo, who cushioned a header for Pina and the Barcelona forward did the rest. She controlled Paralluelo's pass before dribbling past Tanna Carreto and finishing with confidence.

La Rojita's second goal involved a combination this tournament has seen time and time again: Eva Navarro dribbled down the right flank before finding Pina with a cut-back pass and the No10 finished with her first touch.

Not for the first time at Uruguay 2018, Mexico had a response. Captain Nicole Perez sent in a corner kick and forward Denise Castro was the first to get a slight touch to the ball with her head to reduce the advantage.

The second half was played at a high intensity but both sides were able to limit their opposition to very few scoring opportunities, something that ultimately benefited Spain, who held on to their one-goal lead to win their nation's first Women's World Cup at any age level.

Player of the match: Claudia Pina (ESP)