Spain favourites

Under-17 world Cup final

Popularly called ‘Coro’, 34-year-old Ferran Corominas who will be plying his trade for FC Goa in the coming season of the Indian Super League has raked up over 250 appearances in La Liga. He played for the national team of Spain in the U17, U19 and U20 categories.

Coro started out at Espanyol in the ‘B’ Team before being promoted to the first team in the summer of 2003. After saving the club from relegation with a last minute goal in the 2005/06 season, Coro went on to win Copa Del Rey and was also instrumental in the club’s run to the UEFA Cup final in the 2006/07 season where they finished runners-up to Juande Ramos’ FC Sevilla.

Q: How do you rate Spain’s chance in FIFA U 17 WC Finals against a spirited England. You were part of the Spain U20 team for the WC 2003 finishing runners up and also with the U17 team in 2001 though not part of the WC squad. What’s the competition like at this age group?

A: Spain has always been a great team at the national level, across age groups. They put on a great show right through the tournament and will continue to do so at the World Cup finals as well. Captain of the team Abel Ruiz has been having a fantastic tournament and so has Englands’ Rhian Brewster. It will be an interesting final to see these two clash for the trophy.

Having played at this level in the past, in my experience, the teams should have fun and also make the most of this opportunity because it isn’t very often that you get an opportunity to play in the World Cup and be in the finals!

Q: What’s your word of advice for the current Spain national team when they start the finals against England?
A: My only advice would be to enjoy every moment on the pitch because this is a unique opportunity and it is important to make the most of it. I wish them all the best. It’s a great opportunity for them to come and play here in India. I hope they have a great final and we’ll be supporting them from afar.

Q: In less than a month’s time you will also be in India for ISL. What have you heard about Indian football and what is your impression?
A: I did speak with some of the players who have played in India in the ISL previously. My first impressions are extremely positive. I have interacted with the team during the training drills and the friendlies we played in Spain so far. The level of skill of the players is quiet high.

I was in Goa, India a few weeks ago and was surprised to see the talent and interest in football. We have been playing and living together here in Spain at out pre-season training and I’ve got to know the team better. I am looking forward to coming back to India and playing in the coming season of ISL in India.

Q: India hosted the World Cup event for the very first time and have expressed interest in hosting the FIFA U20 World Cup as well. How do you see it could benefit India to host such large footballing events?
A: It is important to get opportunities like these to participate in world tournaments. It it is always an experience for any player to play at this high level. India has a lot of potential and such events will only help in continuing to grow the interest in football even further.