HELSINKI, Aug 30: A seventh-minute goal from Leonardo gave Brazil a record third Under-17 crown on Saturday after battling Spain created chances but failed to score.

Brazilian captain Joao’s curling free kick from some 20 metres hit the post and rebounded to the feet of Leonardo who hammered home.

The second half opened evenly balanced and grew more physical as the Spaniards took their game up a gear. Openings came to them but the final effort too often went wide, over the bar or straight to Brazilian keeper Bruno.

The result tops a solid performance by the Brazilians in the 17-day contest in which they only conceded one goal. Argentina earlier beat Colombia on penalties to take third place.

The game, at Helsinki’s Toolo stadium was the first FIFA final on artificial turf which the world governing body sees as a way of promoting football in countries where it is difficult to maintain a good year-round playing surface.

President Sepp Blatter said on Friday the use of synthetic pitches might be considered for the 2010 World Cup which has been promised to Africa.—Reuters