FIFA U-17 World Cup

Spain and Argentina battle to scoreless stalemate

Spain and Argentina contested a hard-fought 0-0 draw
Both sides looked sharp in their first match of Brazil 2019
Spain goalkeeper Martinez, Argentina midfielder Palacios stood out

South American champions Argentina and European heavyweights Spain saw their intense FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™ showdown end in a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening at Estadio Kleber Andrade in Vitoria. Both sides demonstrated technical and tactical proficiency, looking equal on the pitch as well as the scoreboard.

Spain

Spanish goalkeeper Ivan Martinez was superb, making crucial interventions against a multi-pronged Argentina attack. Sixteen-year-old forward Pedri Gonzalez was the primary goal scoring threat for La Furia Roja, making clever runs in the second half only to be thwarted by the last Argentina defender.

Argentina

La Albiceleste enjoyed a slight advantage in possession and outshot their opponents 16-8, with the offense flowing through midfielder Matias Palacios and forward Matias Godoy. Palacios saw an effort from inside the centre circle clang off the crossbar in the first half, nearly catching Martinez off his line and producing a goal for the ages.

Up next

31 October

Group E
Spain-Tajikistan (Vitoria/Cariacica, 17:00 local time)
Cameroon-Argentina (Vitoria/Cariacica, 20:00 local time)

A view inside the dressing room of Spain

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: A view inside the dressing room of Spain before the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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A view inside the dressing room of Argentina

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: A view inside the dressing room of Argentina before the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Head Coach Pablo Aimar of Argentina looks on

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Head Coach Pablo Aimar of Argentina looks on before the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Jordi Escobar of Spain dribbles

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Jordi Escobar of Spain dribbles between Ignacio Fernandez and Cristian Medina of Argentina during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Juan Sforza of Argentina defends Roberto Navarro of Spain

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Juan Sforza of Argentina defends Roberto Navarro of Spain during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Head Coach Juan Gordo of Spain looks on

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Head Coach Juan Gordo of Spain looks on during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Ivan Martinez of Spain makes a save

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Ivan Martinez of Spain makes a save during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Luciano Vera of Argentina steals the ball

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Luciano Vera of Argentina steals the ball from German Valera of Spain during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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German Valera of Spain and Kevin Lomonaco of Argentina battle

28 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: German Valera of Spain and Kevin Lomonaco of Argentina battle for control of the ball during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Oscar Aranda of Spain and Matias Palacios of Argentina

29 Oct 2019

VITORIA, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 28: Oscar Aranda of Spain and Matias Palacios of Argentina hug after the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 group E match between Spain and Argentina at EstÃ¡dio KlÃ©ber Andrade on October 28, 2019 in Vitoria, Brazil. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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