The premiere edition of the U17 World Championship concluded with a blazing drama between Germany and Egypt. The European nation won, but only after extra time and a 44–43 goal-scoring spree.
– It was a super tough game, but we showed once again that we are incredibly strong as a team, the team captain Malte Elze said to the federation website.
Qatar and Spain got the final day in Casablanca going as Spain clearly had the higher pace in the bronze duel. After 18–10 in the first half, Spain could fulfill the medal dream and keep a good distance towards the end of the game, 35–23.
Germany and Egypt took over the arena for a much more tight game with serious nerves involved. Germany led by one goal at half time but Egypt were very close to the top of the podium when Kalle Gaugisch equalized with a creative shot from the left wing with only three seconds to go until full time.
The goalkeeper Tobias Dengler was ready and alert for the extra time and a pair of saves brought Germany ahead as the drama continued.
Leo Nowak´s 15 goals certainly helped to decide the game and the final top scorer even made his mark late in extra time with 44–42. Egypt pushed consistently with Youssef Ahmed behind 13 goals in a very worthy final effort.
– We can be incredibly proud to be world champions now. We showed in every situation that we are a good team. After falling behind by four goals, we gave it our all with team spirit and demonstrated our cohesion, Nowak said to the federation website.
Jorge Gomez de Santiago representing USA from centre back position won the overall goalscorer crown with 74 goals in five matches.