Germany pip Spain to reach semis; Hat-trick star Echeverri powers Argentina to big win over Brazil

JAKARTA: Germany pipped Spain by a solitary goal to secure a win in the quarterfinal of the FIFA under-17 World Cup in Jakarta on Friday.

Germany’s winner came in the second half after left winger Paris Brummer was fouled inside the box by Spanish right-back Hector Fort.

Brummer, who represents Borussia Dortmund at club level, took up the responsibility from the spot, scoring the match winner with a powerful finish to the left-bottom corner.

Spain kept plugging away at the German defence all through the day, but without much success. The Spanish side had 22 shots in the game, but failed to find a way past German shot-stopper Max-Joseph Schmitt.

Spain’s best chance came early in the match, when its No.9 Marc Guiu was presented with a shot from a point-blank position. His shot though was blocked away by a diving German left-back Eric da Silva Moreira.

The Spaniards ended the game with a man short after their goalkeeper Raul Jiménez Latorre was sent off for a cynical foul on a German player outside the box in the second-half injury time.

Argentina rode an incredible hat-trick from skipper Claudio Echeverri to overpower archrival Brazil 3-0 in the quarterfinal on Friday.

Brazil, the defending champion, had a sub-par day in the middle as the 17-year-old Echeverri ran the show.

Echeverri, who represents Argentine side River Plate at the club level, opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a solo effort, dribbling past multiple Brazil players, before pulling the trigger. His shot deflected off an opponent and looped past the Brazilian goalkeeper.

In an end-to-end match, Brazil had multiple opportunities to find the net but was held back by a combination of poor finishing from its forward line and some last-ditch defending from the Argentines.

Echeverri’s second goal was the best of the lot. In the 59th minute, the Argentine captain received the ball at the edge of the box. He then evaded multiple Brazilian challenges, before slamming the ball in from a tight angle.

The Argentine No.10 rounded up his hat-trick and the win with a smart finish in the 73rd minute, after he dribbled past the Brazilian keeper, following a swift counterattack.

Argentina, which has never won the competition, will now face Germany in the semifinal. Agencies

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