GERMANY’S U-17 men national team on Saturday won their first U-17 world cup after defeating France in a penalty shootout, 4-3 played at the Manahan Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The age-group keenly contested final lived up to expectation as it ended in a 2-2 draw at the end of the regulation time, before progressing to penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Germany took the lead through their youngster Paris Brunner who converted a penalty kick in the twenty-nine munites.
After series of football artistries, Germany’s captain, Noah Darvich who recently moved to Barcelona from Freiburg doubled the lead six minutes into the resumption of the second half.
Two minutes later, Germany’s joy of leading with 2 goals margin was short-lived as France’s Saïmon Bouabré reduced the deficit to give hope to his country.
Germany were reduced to 10 men in the 69 minutes after the centre refree gave Winner Osawe a straight red-card.
Five munites to the end of the regulation time, France’s persistence to score a goal came to bear after Mathis Amougou took advantage of the numerical disvantage of his opponents to restore the score level which lead the match to penalty shootout.
Despite France’ emphatic comeback, Germany prevailed 4-3 on penalties.
Africa representative-Mali, the runner up of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015, defeated Argentina 3-0 to finish third in this year’s edition at the Manahan in Indonesia on Friday.