U-17 World Cup: Mali ends third, Germany lifts first trophy

Germany lifted its first Under-17 FIFA World Cup on Saturday (Dec. 02). Mali, the last African representative secured a spot on podium, for the second time in the history of the competition.

Germany prevailed 4-3 on penalties against France on Saturday at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Indonesia.

The French side dreamt of a second trophy after its 2001 victorious campaign. They eventually did a little bit better than in 2019 when they ended third.

The Germans add this world title to the continental trophy they won in June.

Three days after their 2-1 defeat to France Mali ended their 2023 U-17 Word Cup campaign on a high note.

The Eaglets beat Argentina 3-0 on Friday (Dec. 1).

In 2015, they ended with silver after African counterpart Nigeria edged them in the final 2-0.

Except from France, none of the finalists in the 2019 edition reached the semifinals.

Argentina defeated defending champion Brazil 3-0 with captain Claudio Echeverri scoring all three.

And Mexico was eliminated after losing to Mali in the knockout stage.