Confident France take on struggling Spaniards in pre-quarterfinals
16 Oct 2017 5:35 PM GMT
Guwahati: On a roll after three wins on the trot in the group stage, former champions France face fellow European powerhouse Spain in a potentially high voltage round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
France have entered into this tournament not as one of the four automatic qualifiers from Europe but after featuring in a fifth place play-off match. But they have been having a brilliant run of form so far in India though they were placed in a comparatively easier group.
The 2001 champions side beat tournament debutants New Caledonia 7-1, then prevailed over Japan 2-1 in a close game before thrashing Honduras 5-1. The 'Les Bleuets' have scored the highest number of goals (14) in the group stages.
They will, however, face their toughest test of the tournament in the form of Spain, the European champions, on Tuesday. Just five months back, Spain had beaten France 3-1 in the UEFA European U-17 Championships quarterfinals.
Spain have come into this tournament as one of the favourites and are seeking their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title but they have struggled to live up to the expectations so far. Their final match against North Korea showed their attacking frailties.
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