Iran First Line-Up Against Spain in U-17 World Cup

Iran is aiming to add another chapter to the history books when it takes on reigning European champions Spain in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India on Sunday.

Having made the quarterfinals for the first time in four attempts, Abbas Chamanian’s players will be confident of beating Spain despite the European side being the clear favorites, the-afc.com, reported.

Iran has hardly put a foot wrong so far, advancing to the quarterfinals with a perfect record of four wins out of four matches.

The young Iranians cruised through the group stage with wins over Guinea (3-1), Germany (4-0) and Costa Rica (3-0) before producing a steely performance to overcome Mexico, semifinalists in the last three editions of the U-17 World Cup, 2-1 in their last-16 clash.

Allahyar Sayyad is Iran leading scorer with three goals while Younes Delfi and Mohammad Sharifi have chipped in with two each, giving Iran several options upfront.

All players are now physically and mentally prepared to confront the Spanish side that has impressed after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Brazil in the opening Group D match. The teams have never lined up against each other in U-17 World cup before.

Spain bounced back to defeat Niger 4-0 and North Korea 2-0 before recording what was among the most impressive last-16 stage results, beating France 2-1.

The young Spanish players have gained in confidence, proving themselves to be a solid unit that plays a familiar possession-based game and with Iran flying high after their perfect run so far, the stage is set for a cracking tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.

Bolivian referee, Gery Vargas Carreno assisted by Juan Pablo Montaño and José Alberto Antelo preside the match on Sunday.