Sunday 03 November 2019, 21:51

Spain shut out Cameroon to win Group E

  • Precise Spaniards dash Cameroonian hopes 2-0

  • Goal differential inches them past Argentina as Group E winners

  • Senegal beckons in Round of 16

Spain rode first-half goals from Jordi Escobar and Moriba Ilaix to a 2-0 victory over Cameroon on Sunday in their final match of Group E at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™. Unbeaten in the group stage, La Rojita have earned a match-up with Senegal in the Round of 16 on 6 November. Cameroon, meanwhile, held a slim chance of advancing before the match only to have it foiled by Spain's clinical counter attacks.

Spain [[flag-esp-xs]]

While the Spaniards had already stamped their spot in the knockout phase prior to Sunday's match, the African champions were desperate for their first win. The opening minutes saw Spain under considerable pressure, but eventually they were able to keep Cameroon cautious with their ability to create chances in transition. Pedri Gonzalez's skill getting out on the break and holding the ball was essential. The goals came in the 21st and 42nd minutes; the latter was a fine strike from Ilaix outside the box.

Cameroon [[flag-cmr-xs]]

Knowing they needed a convincing win to sneak into the last 16, the African side began the encounter dominating possession. Still, clear scoring opportunities proved hard to produce as Cameroon settled for difficult shots that flew over the crossbar. Soon after conceding the first goal they began to cede the ball to their opponents. Though they troubled Ivan Martinez into a pair of saves, the Indomitable Lions frustratingly leave Brazil 2019 with three losses from three games.

Up next

Round of 16 [[flag-esp-xs]] Spain-Senegal [[flag-sen-xs]] (6 November, Goiania/Serrinha, 16:30 local time) [[flag-par-xs]] Paraguay-Argentina [[flag-arg-xs]] (7 November, Vitoria/Cariacica, 20:00 local time)