FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Round of 16 Preview: France Vs Spain

France's meeting with Spain in a heavyweight European contest headlines the day's four matches in Goa and Guwahati.

After some exciting group games, the tournament has reached the knockout phases and Tuesday's Round of 16 fixtures see European U-17 Championship winners Spain take on France in Guwahati, while England will face Japan in Kolkata. Elsewhere, Asian giants Iran and Iraq will face Mexico and Mali respectively at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Goa.   

Match 1: France U-17 vs Spain U-17

In an “All European” round of 16 clash at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, France will take on Spain at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati.

France were unbeaten in Group E, as they hammered New Caledonia by a 7-1 margin in their first match, followed by a 2-1 win over Japan and putting five goals past Honduras.

Whereas Spain finished second in Group D as they went down to group toppers Brazil in their first match but managed to beat Niger and North Korea to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Team News

Spanish Coach Santiago Denia has all the players available for the important clash against their continental rivals France and the former Atletico Madrid coach will most likely field the same XI which earned them all three points against North Korea and booked their ticket to THE next round.

On the other hand, France gaffer Lionel Rouxel will also have all the players at his disposal. midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni who missed out in the last match due to suspension will be available for Spain clash and the French coach will surely include him to strengthen his side. After resting some of the players against Honduras, Rouxel will field a strong team against the French.

Head-to-Head

The European sides have met five times before travelling to India. Spain has the advantage as they have won three of the five games, while France has won only once with the other match being a draw.   

Man to Watch

Maxence Caqueret-France U-17: The 17-year old is one of the best midfielders in the tournament and he can surely make the difference when his side take on the European champions in the important clash.

Ferran Torres-Spain U-17:  While Cesar Gelabert and Abel Ruiz have been scoring goals, Torres has been a lively spark in the team, often leaving the full-backs futile as he cuts inside. With the Spanish coach rotating his players amply, he'll surely be fully fit against France. The forward is known for his pace and though he has not scored any goals in the tournament, his fine crosses are always threatening to the opponents.  

Probable Lineups

France u-17: Fofana (GK), Collet, Solet, Bianda, Gomes, Adli, Tchouameni, Gouiri, Caqueret, Pintor, Lacroix.

Spain u-17: Fernandez1 (GK), Mateu Jaume, Miranda, Guillamon, Chust, Blanco, Torres, Moukhliss, Ruiz, Gomez, Gelabert.

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD at 17:00 hours IST.

Also Read

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India has presented one of the best FIFA U-17 World Cups so far. Here's why!

Here’s what's next for the Indian boys that played the FIFA U-17 World Cup!

Other Matches

Match 2: Iran U-17 vs Mexico U-17

Kickoff

17th October 2017, 17:00 IST

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony Ten2 and Sony Ten2 HD at 17:00 hours IST.

Match 3: Mali U-17 vs Iraq U-17

Kickoff

17th October 2017, 20:00 IST

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda Goa

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD at 20:00 hours IST.

Match 4: England U-17 vs Japan U17

Kickoff

17th October 2017, 20:00 IST

Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata

Broadcast

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The match will be telecast live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD at 20:00 hours IST.