5 November 2009
Lagos — Spain and Burkina Faso will go head-to-head in their last-16 clash at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 today, in what will be the last game to be played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in the northern city of Kano. Spirits will be high in both camps after a group stage in which each fulfilled their true potential.
After qualifying as Group E winners, Spain will be aspiring to match the achievements of their colleagues who reached the final of Korea 2007.
Although they earned maximum points in the group stage, they did not have it all their own way, having to come back from a goal down with 10 men to beat USA 2-1. They then showed all their quality in a 3-1 win over UAE, followed by a comfortable 4-1 defeat of newcomers Malawi, in which La Rojita rested some of their big names. Their next goal will be to make it four out of four against the Burkinabe.
The young Etalons had to be on their mettle to come from behind to grab second place in Group D. In an unconvincing first match, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Turkey, who ultimately finished group winners.
Next came a 1-1 draw against New Zealand, played in torrential rain in Enugu, and finally an emphatic 4-1 win over Costa Rica to seal qualification in style.
Spain coach, Gines Melendez is not showing the usual arrogance associated with big teams from Europe or Latin America, preferring instead to respect the young Burkinabes.
"We've got a lot of respect for our opponents."
Burkina Faso are a very strong and pacy team, but we've got our strengths as well. It'll be the type of game which could turn on a single error. We're going into it in the hope of extending our stay at Nigeria 2009."
Rainer Willfeld, Burkina Faso's German handler also shared such sentiments, insisting that it will be a tough game for his wards.
"The match against Spain will be extremely tough, as they're one of the favourites to win the World Cup. It will be a huge challenge for us because they play great football, but we can do it. We've had a good rest in the last few days and now we're ready to go for it."
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