Spain crush Niger hopes

Kochi: European powerhouse Spain bounced back from the defeat in their opening match to score a 4-0 victory over Niger in a Group D match of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup here on Tuesday. The reigning European champions suffered a 1-2 defeat to South American giants Brazil in their opening encounter last Saturday, but recovered swiftly to open their account in the tournament.

Spain went ahead when Abel Ruiz's tap-in found the back of the net in the 21st minute. Ruiz was at the right place and easily converted Juan Miranda's cross from the left flank, leaving the Niger defence napping. Spain doubled the lead just before half-time, and again it was Ruiz who was in the thick of things; the Barcelona youth player scored off a Sergio Gomez free-kick in the 41st minute.

Niger's agony did not end there as Spain added one more goal in first-half injury time through Cesar. The Niger goalkeeper had no chance against Gomez's left-footer from outside the box. Gomez's strike completed a rout that put Spain firmly in contention for a knock-out berth from the group.
Debutants Niger, last Saturday, defeated North Korea 1-0 to register their maiden FIFA World Cup victory in their maiden appearance.

Costa Rica hold Guinea

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ricardo Montenegro's heroic effort under the bar helped Costa Rica hold Guinea to a 2-2 draw in a Group C match in Margao. Costa Rica, who played a waiting game, keeping their defence compact, took the lead in the 26th minute through Yecxy Jarquin.

Guinea dominated the match, creating several scoring changes but were denied by rival ‘keeper Montenegro until Fondje Toure restored parity in the 30th minute. Costa Rica again took the lead after the change of ends through Andre Gomez, taking advantage of the shaky rival defence, in the 67th minute. But the African side kept on pressing hard until defender Ibrahima Soumah scored the equaliser in the 81st minute.

Thereafter, it was Guinea all the way who searched for the winner, but Mongtenegro was a tough nut to crack. The draw kept both the teams' hopes alive as they have a point each.Costa Rica plays their next match on October 13 in Margao against Iran while Guinea travel to Kochi to play their last match against Germany.

It was Guinea who looked more dominant in the first half as they attacked with steady flow of passes and came close to scoring twice in the first 20 minutes, forcing Monenegro to make diving saves off Fandje Toure and Aquibou Camara.