Spain crowned champions of inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup

Spain are the champions of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the final. The win at Baku's Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan capped a flawless campaign of nine wins and one draw for the squad of players born in 2011. This youth success comes as the senior team is on a four-game winning run, most recently a 1-2 victory over Croatia on 6 October, with goals from Mikel Merino.

Coached by David Gordo, who also manages the under-21 national team, Spain controlled the match from the outset. The Czech Republic had an early chance through Kyklhorn, but Real Betis goalkeeper Danel Castro made a key save. Spain's opener came in the 13th minute, with Tiago Polo converting from a corner. Bruno Fernández added a second after the break, and Madrid-based player Bielsa sealed the 3-0 in the 31st minute following a pass from Lucas Bernal.

A title with a dedication

The players dedicated the world title to the victims of a train accident in Urda, Toledo, earlier in the week. "This world title is for the victims of the train accident this week in Urda, with a special memory for their families, to whom we send all our love," said goalscorer Tiago Polo after the match. The tournament, attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, featured 189 countries in an innovative grassroots format with eight-player teams, 20-minute halves and a reduced pitch.

Real Betis, the club where Tiago Polo, Bruno Fernández and Danel Castro came through the academy, expressed its pride in a statement: "Tiago Polo, Bruno Fernández and Danel Castro are Real Betis youth products and under-15 world champions. Congratulations, boys! We are very proud of you!". This success at youth level adds to the senior team's strong form, which includes four consecutive wins, most recently a 1-2 victory over Croatia on 6 October. In that match, Mikel Merino scored twice, while in the 3-1 win over the Czech Republic on 3 October, goals came from Lamine Yamal, Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante and Merino.

The tournament's second edition, scheduled for 2027, will for the first time include female teams. For Spain, the under-15 title strengthens the talent pipeline in a year where the senior team's top scorer is Mikel Oyarzabal with five goals in eight appearances. The senior side now looks ahead to its next fixture, an away match against the Czech Republic on Thursday 12 November.

The original report is at Canal Sur