France fights back via the book Germany’s decision-maker
Magnificent Bouneb free-kick seals victory over Mali.
France defeated Mali 2-1 after a thrilling second quarter in which they scored twice to secure a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023TM final.
Mali had the better start of the two teams and twice within the first ten minutes forced Paul Argney into action. With a superb sprawling save, the France goalkeeper denied captain Ibrahim Diarra. Shortly after, he made headlines once more by stopping Ibrahim Kanate.
In the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, Diarra’s tap-in broke the deadlock, making Mali the first team to score against France in over 500 minutes of U-17 World Cup football. Argney had flapped at a Barry cross from the left.
But not long after the restart, the entire concept of the game would change drastically in just sixty seconds. First, after an on-field review, Mali defender Souleymane Sanogo received a straight red card for a high challenge. Subsequently, from the ensuing free-kick, Ismail Bouneb discovered Yvann Titi’s head, who skillfully glanced the ball home.
In just 13 minutes, France would complete the comeback. Once again, Bouneb was in position to shoot from a free-kick, and he did so masterfully, whipping the ball low to the left of the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.
To their credit, the ten men from Mali kept trying and in the closing seconds, they almost tied the score. A powerful free kick from Hamidou Makalou was headed toward the goal, but Argney was once again unflinching and touched the ball onto the crossbar.
Mali will play Argentina on Friday for third place, and France will now play Germany in the final on Saturday.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup final match between Germany and France is a repeat of the UEFA European U-17 Championship final from June. Germany emerged victorious on that occasion, winning 5-4 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in
“I’m very proud to represent France, and even prouder to be decisive in consecutive matches and to win the Player of the Match award. It’s a great pleasure and we’re very proud. It’s the mental side that wins. We didn’t give up. We kept playing, we weren’t afraid in the second half and we came back with determination.” Ismail Bouneb, Player of The Match
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