AMMAN, OCTOBER 21, 2016 – Today, Spain and Venezuela go face to face for the bronze. Both teams will be playing the match that nobody wants to play. But both of them have the same objective, to [at least] be the third best team of this U-17 Women’s World Cup and transform their semi-final tears in smiles.
Both said goodbye to their aspirations for the final last Monday. Spain lost 3-0 against Japan and Venezuela 3-0 against North Korea.
In this third place match we will most likely see two completely different teams. Venezuela’s hopes lie in Deyna Castellanos, one of the best players of the tournament and a candidate for both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. On the other hand, the Spanish team is characterized by their collective play and speed.
At the press conference, the Spanish coach Toña Is said: “We know how Venezuela play. It won’t be fair if we lose this match because, we very well throughout the tournament”.
A group phase match in the U-17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 was the only taste of what a clash between la Vinotinto and Spain could bring. The Spanish team won that match 2-1, but six years on, Venezuela will be looking to equal the overall score.
In the pre-match press conference Toña turned her attention away from the lost match in the semifinal against Japan and focused on the fight for bronze. “To play for the bronze medal is something special because it is very difficult to arrive here. I am sure that we will bring the third place title from this World Cup to Spain.”
“There are so much work behind the scenes. The girls have work a lot during every one of these days and they don’t deserve to return home empty-handing,” added Spain’s coach.
The third place might only be a consolation, but it will serve as a reward and inspiration for both teams. Which one will we see on the podium?