European champions Spain staved off a battling Mali to emerge 3-1 winners to enter the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the D Y Patil Stadium, yesterday. Spain scored twice in the first half, both the goals coming from striker Abel Ruiz, and added one more through a headed goal by Ferran Torres to take a commanding 3-0 lead before Mali found the mark for the first and only time through their own top goal getter Lassana N'Diaye in the 74th minute.

Spain's Ruiz (right) against Mali. Pic/Suresh Karkera