Not unknowns, it can even be said that the Spaniards are leaders in U-17 women’s football as they consistently reach the semi-final round, and in 2010 they finished third, with keeper Dolores Gallardo earning the Golden Gloves honour.
But if they’re still forging their name at the international level, they’ve more than announced their intentions at continental level with two UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship titles.
They fell just short of securing their third during the 2013/14 event in England, losing the final on penalties to Germany after normal time ended with the two teams locked at 1-1.
Spain’s prize list is impressive and they are very keen to continue their march to the ultimate glory.
Not only did they make it to the final, Spain managed to down U-17 Women’s World Cup defending champions France 2-0, and eventual winners Germany 4-0 along the way.
Spain is composed of a number of dangerous players such as Andréa Sanchez who, during the last UEFA Championship, scored four goals and made three assists.
Those results are a sure fire warning to the Young Football Ferns and coach Jitka Klimkova not to take Spain lightly, as they too make a run for their best ever finish.
And If Spain coach Jorge Vilda’s words are anything to go by, his side has no intention of making it an easy run for anyone.
“The good thing is that football always gives you the opportunity to get revenge and our will coming soon at the World Cup in Costa Rica in March,” he says.
“We will prepare as well as we can and I am sure that will arrive in good shape ready to go out and win the tournament.”
New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns will take on Spain on Wednesday, 19 March at 5pm (Thursday, 20 March, 6am NZT) at Ricardo Saprissa Ayma Stadium in Tibas, Costa Rica.

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