Keyed by German Valera's early opening goal, Spain downed Tajikistan 5-1 on Thursday in Vitoria to record their first victory of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™. La Rojita's four points garnered from two matches have them sitting in pole position in Group E as a showdown with Cameroon looms on Sunday.
Valera stood out as Spain's top performer in the first half. The captain put his side ahead in the fourth minute at Estadio Kleber Andrade and stung the crossbar later in the first half, though he was substituted off a minute from half-time due to injury concern. La Rojita did nearly all of their damage in the first half; Roberto Navarro completing his brace in the 64th minute which was the lone goal of the second period.
Tajikistan's tactics mirrored that which earned them a surprise upset of African champions Cameroon in their opening match. This time their opponents were able to not only penetrate the Asian side's defensive wall, but also capitalise on created chances. Tajikistan's lone score came from an Alvaro Carrillo own goal. With three points in the bank, their last-16 fate will hinge on Sunday's fixture against Argentina.
By Olamide Oyetunji
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