Despite going down to Brazil in the opening encounter, Spain, as expected, have made it to the knockouts of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. It is never easy to play Brazil in any form of football, but Spain did well to come back strongly and defeat Niger 4-0 and North Korea 2-0 to set up a mouthwatering pre-quarterfinal clash with France, another strong European team with a long and rich football history. That match will take place in Guwahati on October 17.FC Pune City's 31-year-old Spanish midfielder, Marcos Tebar Ramiro, who was a member of the Spain squad which lost to Brazil in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup final in Finland, talks about the pressure of facing a team like Brazil first up. He also explains what Spain need to do in the days ahead. A product of the Real Madrid academy, Ramiro also shares his views on India U-17 goalkeeper Dheeraj. The Spaniard is very impressed with the youngster.Excerpts from the interview:How important was it for Spain to play Brazil in the opener? Do you think that loss may have any impact on the reminder of Spain’s campaign?It is always tough to play Brazil first up in a tournament. Yes, winning it would have set the tone for our side, but, honestly the scoreline didn’t justify the work put in by the Spanish team. In the second half, the team played attacking football. But we should give it to Brazil for their up robust defence. In our next match, we showed what we are capable of against Niger. I feel the team will only get better in the knockout stages.During the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland, you were part of the Spain team that lost to Brazil in the final. That was incidentally the first time the two teams had ever met in U-17 World Cup. Did you think that Spain was a bit unlucky to be playing Brazil again in the opener here? Were you a little frustrated to see that?It’s got nothing to do with luck. Brazil have been one of the finest exponents of football for time immemorial. To play against them is never easy for any team in the world, leave alone Spain. Losing the final at any level is always tough and the 2003 final was no different. We tried everything possible after conceding early. Brazil’s organised defence thwarted our attacks throughout the game. In retrospect, overall it was a very good tournament, and I think it benefited the players who then went on to represent the country with pride and won many laurels too.Spain have finished runners-up thrice in the history of this tournament. Do you think they can go all the way this year?Spain are qualifying for the event after eight years, so surely the team is raring to go. The team is coming at the back of winning the U-17 European Championship in Croatia. Naturally, they should take a lot of encouragement from that. This squad has a few new names but the core remains the same so I believe they stand a good chance of going all the way. Captain and forward Abel Ruiz has been in great form, so the team doesn’t have to go too far to get inspiration.Any Spanish player(s) who has impressed you?Like I said, Spain have a great leader in Abel Ruiz. He showed his real qualities against Niger. Having said that, I feel Carlos Beitia has also been rock-solid at the back and created some good chances up front.Spain have produced many players who have gone on to become stars and legends of the game. Can you take us through the football system in Spain from the grassroots to age-group levels and beyond. What sets Spain apart from the rest of the 210 football playing nations?Honestly, it’s not easy to be a footballer in Spain. The grind there is something you won’t see elsewhere. The moment you kick the first ball in life is when the competition starts, first to be the best in your family, then community, then school, then youth club, then college and so on and so forth. And then there are only a few clubs who have youth systems to match the history of their club. Real Madrid and Barcelona are prime examples, so for our country it’s more like an embarrassment of riches when it comes to footballers.What's your take on the Indian team’s performance and what will be your advice to our boys?I saw a bit of their matches. They showed a lot of guts and, mind you, there is enough talent honestly. If the core of this team remains as it is, they can do wonders for India. This was their first-ever FIFA competition, so they need to just keep working hard together. Perhaps, in their next competition, they will put up a more robust display. India’s goalkeeper Dheeraj has been really very impressive.This time, the Hero ISL has a strong Spanish flavour. What is their opinion about India as a footballing nation?The Hero ISL is gaining popularity in Europe. There are a lot of players from across Europe playing for different teams. And with a longer season, players will also get more playing time and stronger competition. Year after year, across Europe, including Spain, people have realised the potential of India.The Hero ISL has, over the last three years, been able to ignite the passion among players and fans alike in India. What according to you should be the next step for AIFF/ISL to further the growth of the sport?These are just the right steps by AIFF and ISL both. In addition, if the Hero ISL clubs start setting up academies like FC Pune City have, it will further strengthen the system. Spain’s La Masia and La Fabrica are classic examples of what top-notch academies can do the fabric of sport in the country.(A defensive midfielder who played for Real Madrid in the Spanish League, Ramiro went on to represent Girona, Almeria and Llagostera before moving to Delhi Dynamos in 2016. He has been signed by FC Pune City for Rs 94 lakh this season)