Eaglets, Swiss in U17 final

2009 Fifa U-17 World CupColombia 0-4 SwitzerlandSpain 1-3 Nigeria THE Fifa under-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 continued to serve up some spectacular entertainment on Thursday as the identity of the two finalists was revealed. Unfancied Switzerland have made quite an impression on their tournament debut, and matched the high standards they have so far set for themselves by seeing off Colombia in style to reach the final. After a grueling extra-time win over Germany in the last 16 and a narrow victory over Italy in the quarters, the Swiss were grateful for an easier day at the office, with Santiago Arias’s early dismissal aiding their cause. Organised at the back and lethal up front, the European revelations racked up four goals against the back-pedalling Cafeteros and showed no signs of letting the occasion get to them. If Nigeria’s performance in the day’s second semifinal is anything to go by, however, the Swiss will almost certainly need to be at their best in Sunday’s final at the National Stadium in Abuja. The three-time winners, defending champions and tournament hosts shattered Spain’s dream of collecting a maiden Fifa under-17 World Cup title with a rampaging display. Nigerian supersub Sani Emmanuel thrust himself into contention for the adidas Golden Shoe by coming off the bench to kill off Spain’s hopes with a well-taken brace. The talismanic striker, who plays his club football for My People, is now level on five goals with fellow top scorers Spain’s Borja and Uruguay’s Sebastian Gallegos. And given his pace, instinctive positioning and nose for goal, there is every reason to suggest the irrepressible replacement will add to that tally in the final. AGENCIES

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Eaglets, Swiss in U17 final