Brazil showdown for Spanish

Spain moved into the final of the FIFA World Youth Championship last night with a narrow 1-0 win against Colombia. Brazil will be their opponents on Friday in Abu Dhabi after they overcame South American rivals Argentina 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Cruel climax
In the end it took an 86th-minute penalty in Dubai to see Spain home, FC Barcelona's Andrés Iniesta holding his nerve from the spot after a Colombian defender handled in the box.

Curling effort
Spain, playing in white, almost took the lead in the opening minute, only for Iniesta's curling effort to be gathered by Colombia goalkeeper Hector Landazuri. A pattern soon became established as Colombia enjoyed better possession, and Spain demonstrated greater incisiveness.

Colombia response
In the 19th minute, Juanfran played Sergio García in but his effort flew over. Colombia responded with a fine move that ended with Edixon Perea testing Spain goalkeeper Riesgo. Spain's Sergio García had another couple of chances before the break - first firing the ball into the side-netting and then shooting straight at Landazuri.

Aguilar goes close
Colombia started the second half in determined fashion, with Abel Aguilar firing narrowly over. Riesgo then saved superbly from substitute Javier Araujo. Spain looked to be wobbling, and the game heading into extra time, when Iniesta played the ball into the penalty area and it struck a Colombian hand.

Cool penalty
The referee pointed to the spot and Iniesta coolly sent Landazuri the wrong way. At the final whistle the Colombians collapsed to the ground, while the Spanish were able to celebrate their second youth final of the year, having also reached the final of the FIFA Under-17 World Championship.

Revenge mission
After losing that match in Finland 1-0 to Brazil, Spain will be looking for revenge on Friday. Dudu headed the only goal of Brazil's semi-final victory against Argentina, giving the South Americans an opportunity to win their fourth world youth crown.