Spain hold Argentina 1-1 to top Group C of U-17 World Cup.



Spain, having qualified for the world cup knockout stage even before the match with Argentina, paraded most of their reserve players, choosing to spice up the reserve team with some first team players while leaving the main stars like Bojan Krkic and Fran Merida to rest ahead of the more challenging knockout stage. Argentina, who were very desperate to qualify by securing any result other than a loss, came out very aggressively, and attacked with all fevor. Pablo Rolon, Eduardo Salvio and Carlos Benitez all cordibated very well, with Benitez scoring in the 32nd minute by a swift spin and good shot into the Spanish net from the edge of the area. Spain responded with good display and the best effort came from Iago whose shot thudered off the Argentine post during stoppage time in the first half.


The second half saw Daniel Aquino reviving the Spanish attack, and twice came close to scoring early. Aquino finally scored in the 68th minute after finishing off a brilliant right wing cross from Isma Lopez. Argentina didn't want to take qualification chances with a draw, and made some great substitutions like the coming in of Santiago Fernandez, whose late minute strike rocked the Spanish cross bar, but wasn't good enough for goal. The match ended 1-1 with both teams eventually qualifying. Spain as leaders with 7 points and Argentina as runners up with 5 points ahead of heardfighting Syria with 4 points.