Spain, Brazil complete semis lineup

KOLKATA — Brazil and Spain completed the semifinal lineup of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 Sunday after they ran out victorious in their respective quarterfinal ties against Germany and Iran.

In the semifinals on Oct. 25, Brazil will take on England in Guwahati, while Spain will face Mali in Navi Mumbai.

Three-time champion Brazil rallied from a goal down, scoring twice in the space of six minutes in a second-half blitz, to beat Germany 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal in Kolkata.

Second half substitute Weverson and Paulinho scored in the 71st and 77th minutes, respectively, after Germany captain Jann-Fiete Arp had given his side the lead in the 21st minute by converting from the penalty spot.

Earlier in the evening, European champion Spain turned in an eye-catching display of short passing normally associated with its senior team to overwhelm Iran 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi.

One of the pre-tournament favorites, Spain completely dominated the quarterfinal match as its one-touch passing game proved too hot for the Asian giant to handle.

Captain Abel Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 13th minute before Sergio Gomez (60th) and Ferran Torres (67th) added a goal each.

Saeid Karimi pulled one back for Iran in the 69th minute. — Agencies