The Greece U15 semi-final against Spain ended in a 6-2 defeat at the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. The young Greeks now play Paraguay for third place.

Spain started fast and led 3-0 by the 16th minute, the Greek football federation said. Christos Kakalis then pulled one back with a header in the 19th minute.

Spain too strong in Greece U15 semi-final

Spanish daily Marca named the scorers. Tiago Polo struck first in the seventh minute, Divine Ikenna added a second and Alberto Ruiz made it 3-0.

After the break, Mikel López scored a fine goal and Ruiz added his second. Angelos Kormanos replied from close range in the 33rd minute to make it 5-2.

However, Víctor Barbany completed the scoring for Spain before full time. Games at the event use eight players a side and two halves of 20 minutes.

Spain, coached by David Gordo, are fielding their under-16 squad, made up of players born in 2011. They beat Wales on penalties, Ecuador 4-1 and Colombia 5-0 on the way to the last four.

A historic run for the Greece U15 team

Coach Stelios Bikas picked his whole squad from Anagennisi, the federation’s youth development scheme. His players come from clubs such as Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, PAOK and AEK.

Before the semi-final, the young Greeks won their group and then routed Australia 7-2 in the round of 32. Next, they beat Uruguay 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

On Thursday morning, Grigorios Priovolos and Kakalis also scored in a 2-1 comeback win over Guinea. As a result, Greece reached the last four of a new tournament that drew 189 FIFA member federations.

Paraguay next in the third-place match

Greece now meet Paraguay for third place on Friday 30 October, according to the federation. Paraguay lost the other semi-final 2-0 to Czechia.

Spain face Czechia in the Tier A final at Baku Crystal Hall on Friday. Even so, reaching the Greece U15 semi-final is already a strong reward for the federation’s youth work.

Source: Hellenic Football Federation