Spain 0 - Brazil 1

Spain: Mandaluniz; Pallardó, Francis, Sergio Sánchez (Cases 88'), Arzo; Cesc Fábregas, Markel Bergara; Sisi (David 77'), Jurado, Silva (Oskitz 83'); Xisco Nadal (Cases 92'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 07. Leonardo. Shot past Manaluniz after Joao's free kick came back off post.

It was one comeback too far. Spain's youngsters fell at the last hurdle, losing the final by a single goal to Brazil. Juan Santiesteban's side had come back from behind in both the quarter and semi-finals, but the last match had cost them dearly, losing first choice full backs Ruz (suspended) and Llorente (injured). Keeper Adan had also not recovered and Mandaluniz kept his place, although Silva was back in the side after serving out a two match ban.

And they found themselves trailing early on again when Leonardo scored on the follow up after Joao's free kick had hit the far post and come back across goal. The South Americans could have gone further ahead when Abuda hit the bar a few minutes later, and for a few minutes Spain were at sixes and sevens, with Mandaluniz scrambling the ball off the goal line after Abuda headed on a corner.

But after the break they came back, with Jurado shooting wide and Bruno saving from Xisco, Silva and Sergio. Cesc had a chance to become the tournament's top scorer but shot wide when free on the left of the area, and in the last minute he could still have saved the day but Bruno was well placed to block his strike. In the end though the Brazilian defence held firm, and they went on to win their third world title at this level. Spain go home disappointed, but at least knowing that they had put in their best performance since 1991, when they were beaten in the final by Italy.