United States eliminates Spain from the U‑17 World Cup in the round of 16

According to EFE, while the United States took the lead with two goals before halftime, the Spanish under‑17 national team, which had breezed through the group stage with a clean sweep of victories, saw its hopes shattered as it fell 1‑2 in the round of 16 of the Women's World Cup this Thursday.

The two goals before halftime

Until the 43rd minute the match remained goalless, but two defensive errors by the side coached by Mila Martínez allowed the United States to open the scoring. In the 43rd minute, Anaiah Williams sent a ball behind the Spanish defence and Dios Estanislao, taking advantage of goalkeeper Goriatz Ferraz's indecision, put his team ahead. The VAR confirmed that the ball had fully crossed the line despite Uzuri Cadenato's attempt to prevent the goal. Four minutes later, Maddie DiMaria, the tournament's top scorer, recovered the ball from Iraia Fernández, beat Ferraz and extended the United States' lead.

The Spanish reaction and the end

Spain emerged from the dressing room trailing 0‑2 and faced the task of a comeback in the final twenty minutes. Vero Molina narrowed the gap with a strike from outside the box, but the goal was not enough to change the course of the match. The reaction of Mila Martínez's side proved insufficient and the Spanish national team had to say goodbye to the tournament in the round of 16.