Africa

Spain U-17 3-3 Uruguay U-17: Spain Advance To World Cup Semi-Finals On Penalties

A remarkable fixture saw the sides share six goals and two red cards. However, the young Spaniards proved just too strong in the penalty shoot-out...

Nov 9, 2009 5:59:16 PM

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Spain beat Uruguay 4-2 on penalties after scores were tied at 3-3 after extra-time, securing progress to the semi-finals of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Uruguay's Jose Laureiro blasted his penalty wide of target, while team-mate Gabriel Mezquida saw his kick saved by Spain goalkeeper Edgar, nullifying Pablo Sarabia's miss for the Europeans.

A ding-dong battle saw Spain go 3-1 up, though their opponents fought bravely back late on.

Uruguay opened scoring in the tenth minute when Luna's free kick beat goalkeeper Edgar after it took a wicked deflection on its way to the target.

Isco drew Spain level from the penalty spot on 17 minutes after Sarabia was brought down inside the box by defender Federico Sarraute.

Sarabia was denied on the half hour by the goalkeeper, who tipped his free header onto the post.

Uruguay's Sarraute saw red when he received his second booking of the day for a foul on the lively Isco. However, the resulting penalty, which was taken by Sergio Roberto was brilliantly saved by Uruguayan custodian Salvador Ichazo.

Spain, beaten finalists two years ago in Korea, dominated the first 45 minutes and created more chances. Indeed, they ought to have taken a comfortable lead even by then.

Skipper Marc Muniesa was sent off in the 45th minute for a high challenge, but Spain still took the lead four minutes after resumption, when Borja buried a fine delivery by the flying Sarabia. The big striker completed his brace two minutes later, when he fired home despite attention from two defenders.

Uruguay then staged a late fightback to draw level at 3-3. First, substitute Mezquida struck in the 71st minute, before Sebastian Gallegos completed the comeback six minutes from time.

In the 87th minute, Uruguay came within the width of the post of adding to their tally, with Laureiro the unlucky party.

Extra-time failed to produce a winner, leading to a penalty shootout.

Spain will now clash with the winner of the quarter-final between hosts Nigeria and Korea, which will be played later on Monday in the coastal town of Calabar.

Samm Audu, Goal.com