International Matches - Under 17

Croatia 1 - Spain 1

Croatia: Kotarski; Hrvoj, Vuskovic, Radic, Culina; Hanuljak, Franjic (Krekovic 72‘), Krizmanic; Sego, Baturina (Marin 41’), Mitrovic (Prsir 69’). 4-3-3.
Spain: Mohamet Ramos; Eric García, Guillamón, Miranda, Víctor Gómez; César (Ferrán Torres 57’), Orellana, Sergio Gómez; Alvaro García (Blanco 70’), Nacho Díaz (Abel Ruíz 70’), José Alonso. 4-3-3.

Goals: 1-0. 56. Culina; 1-1. 80. Blanco.

A last minute goal from Real Madrid’s Antonio Blanco gave Spain a 1-1 draw against hosts Croatia in the last group match. Victories in the first two ties had ensured top spot for Santi Denia’s side, and the coach used the occasion to rest his key players and give a run out to the rest of the squad. Nacho Díaz and Sergio Gómez went close either side of half time, but Culina put the locals ahead with a well struck volley before Ferran Torres set up Blanco for the late equalizer. Spain will now play France in the quarter finals, and today’s result could be important if they are beaten in that match, as the highest ranked two losers will play off for the fifth European spot in the Youth World Cup which takes place in India in October.