Who could’ve guessed Spain’s U18 would close the group with a 2‑0 win over Canadá ? The side, already victorious 1‑2 versus Costa de Marfil and 3‑1 against Brasil, sealed the result Wednesday in Nyon (Suiza) and now eyes the Saturday final against unbeaten England.
Baba Kourouma, a left‑footed centre‑back for Barça who also fills in at full‑back, finally started after missing the first two games due to a training‑camp illness. He played the full 90 minutes, testing his trademark long‑range shot. For my money, his shooting range gives Spain a real threat. He is the brother of Ilaix Moriba, the former Barça youngster now at Celta who opted for Guinea’s senior squad.
The Barça winger Iu Martínez earned a start, earning a red card in the seventh minute after charging the keeper alone, and logged 60 minutes. Midfielder Michal Zuk came on at halftime and right‑back Raúl Expósito entered after 20 minutes. Left‑back Jordi Pesquer and attacking‑midfielder Roberto Tomás rested. Goals came from Arnau Cases , who slipped a rebound after his penalty was saved, and Owen Emeka of Granada.
This squad includes the now‑injured Ebrima Tunkara and Sergi Mayans. Both are expected on the final roster for the U‑17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled 19 Nov‑13 Dec. That tournament will feature primarily the 2009‑born generation. Will this crop deliver the surprise Qatar needs?