Spain snatch podium place

Spain snatched third place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 with a 1-0 win over Colombia in Abuja. The undercard to the grand final between the host Nigerians and debutant Swiss was a game of two halves, with a desultory first period followed up by a scintillating second. In the end Isco’s second-half strike sealed a place on the podium for the Spaniards at the National Stadium. An early snap-shot from the supremely talented Isco after only three minutes was the best chance of a lifeless and lacklustre opening period, and it hardly even troubled stand-in Colombia goalkeeper Juan Chaverra. Both sides featured several changes to the usual starting eleven and appeared demoralised and lacking energy, which is so often the case in these third-place consolation contests. Even with all of the Colombian pressure, it was Spain that found a crucial opening. After 75 minutes of goalless football, Isco’s air shot from just inside the box found its way back to the Valancia man, who made no mistake with the second effort. While Spain earned a place on the podium with the slim result, the Colombians were made to be content with fourth and the knowledge of their fine play at these Nigerian junior world finals. Ends

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Spain snatch podium place