Lincoln of Brazil equalises despite the efforts of goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez of Spain during the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 group D match at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium | Getty imagesKochi: Brazil bounced back from an early setback to down Spain 2-1 in their eagerly-awaited Group D encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
Lincoln and Paulinho found the target for the Latin Americans after an own goal by Wesley. The win in the opening match of the Group of Death would have gladdened the hearts of Brazilian coach Carlos Amedu and the majority of the supporters who gathered to witness the first-ever FIFA World Cup finals game in Kerala.
It took Spain only five minutes to draw first blood as Mohamed Moukhliss' tap-in from close range was deflected into his own net by Wesley.
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Football carnival at Kochi
Fans outside the Kochi Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of the match between Spain and Brazil | Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Football Carnival at Kochi
Enthusiastic fans outside Kochi stadium ahead of the clash between Brazil and Spain | Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Football carnival at Kochi
A Brazil supporter excited after getting tickets for the Brazil-Spain match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi | Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Football Carnival at Kochi
An excited Brazil supporter outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi | Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Football Carnival in Kochi
Organizers arrange tight security at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, ahead of the first FIFA match between Brazil and Spain | Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Brazilian goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao had kept Spanish captain Abel Ruiz at bay a moment earlier.
Slowly, Brazil got into their groove and Weverson's long-range effort just flew over the bar in the 17th minute.
Mohamed Moukhliss celebrating the goal as his tap-in from close range was deflected into his own net by Brazil's Wesley | Photo: Robert VinodAlan came close to restoring parity for the Latin Americans after dribbling past the defenders, but he could not get past Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez in the 21st minute.
However, soon Lincol drew level for Brazil as he cashed in on an error from Diego Pampin inside the Spanish penalty area in the 25th minute much to the delight of the crowd.
Spanish coach Santi was forced to bring on Victor Perea in the 34th as defender Jaume Mateu suffered an injury.
Spain almost regained their lead when a shot from Ferran Torres missed the target by inches in the 37th. La Roja had a close shave when the goalkeeper's hasty clearance was blocked by an onrushing Lincoln and it could have easily rolled back into the net in the 43rd.
It was the Selecao who went into the break on a high as Paulinho latched on to a fine through ball from Marcos Antonio in injury time and made it count.
Fine save
Brazil's Paulinho in action against Spain's Abel Ruiz at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi | Photo: Robert VinodSpain exerted pressure on the Brazilian defense on resumption of play by employing quality crosses from flanks. The Brazilians had Gabriel to thank for keeping their lead intact as he pulled off a fine save to deny Sergio Gomez in the 55th.
Shortly, Spain brought on Jose Lara in place of Alvaro Garcia while Brazil replaced Victor Robsin with Guth Rodrigo.
Ruiz made a menacing run off a counter-attack, but again Grabriel came to Brazil's rescue in the 62nd.
Substitute Lara had a penalty appeal turned down by Bahraini referee Nawaf Shukralla in the 68th.
Brazil had a goal disallowed in the 73rd as Spanish custodian Alvaro Fernandez was deemed to have been fouled.
Though Spain pressed forward, the Brazilian defense held firm to make sure of the three points.
Brazil's Alan in action against the Spanish players during the Group D match | Photo: Robert Vinod