The performance curve of African giants Mali and European champions Spain, both teams who will be locking horns in the FIFA U-17 World Cup second semi-final today at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul, follows the same path. The Eagles lost their first Group 'B' match to Paraguay (2-3) before bouncing back with convincing victories against Turkey (3-0) and New Zealand (3-1). La Rojita fell prey to hot favourites Brazil (1-2) in their opening Group 'D' encounter and then recovered well with wins over Niger (4-0) and Korea DPR (2-0). What makes this clash all the more interesting is that both sides still haven't bagged the coveted crown. Mali, runners-up from the 2015 event, qualified for three straight editions between 1997 and 2001, while Spain have failed get hold of the World Cup trophy thrice in the past — ending as runners-up in 1991, 2003 and 2007. In 2009, they finished third.

Spanish players go through their drills yesterday ahead of their semi-final clash against Mali at Navi Mumbai today. Pic/Suresh Karkera