Brazil beat Germany, Spain outplay Iran to reach semis

Kolkata, October 22 

Paulinho’s stunning second-half strike helped three-time champions Brazil script a memorable come-from-behind 2-1 victory over European heavyweights Germany in the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinals here on Sunday. The South Americans will take on England in the semis in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Germany weathered the initial Brazil onslaught to take the lead through Jann-Fiete Arp in the 21st minute via a penalty. Brazil, seemingly under the cosh in the first half, stamped their class in the second half, riding on goals from substitute Weverson (71st) and Paulinho (77th) in the contest that matched its hype.

Germany missed midfielder Yannick Kietel due to a hamstring injury while winger Dennis Jastrzembski sat out due to accumulation of yellow cards. Nicolas Kuehn and Josha Vagnoman replaced the duo.

Referee made the difference: German coach  

Germany coach Christian Wueck came down heavily on US referee Jair Marrufo, saying he made the difference in the contest. “Did you watch the game? Did you look at the eyes of Jan Boller?” asked Wueck. “It was a clear foul on him and they were not penalised. We have no problems in losing but not in this way. The difference was the referee in this match.” The coach was talking about an incident just before Paulinho scored the goal when Boller was hit on his face by a Brazilian player.

Spain dominate Iran

Kochi: European champions Spain produced a quality exhibition of tiki-taka as they decimated Iran 3-1 to reach the semifinals. Captain Abel Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 13th minute before Sergio Gomez (60th min) and Ferran Torres (67th) added a goal each. For Iran, Saeid Karimi pulled one back in the 69th minute. — Agencies