New Delhi: The Indian team was thoroughly outplayed by a dominant Ghana U-17 side as the hosts succumbed to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in their final match of Group A at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.
A brace from captain Eric Ayiah and a goal each from Emmanuel Toku and Richard Danso secured the win for Ghana while also helping them qualify to the knock-out rounds as a topper from Group A. India meanwhile failed to win a single match in the World Cup but with their gritty display and nerves of steel they have won the hearts and love of more than 1 billion fans all over the country.
The colts in blue started the match knowing that only a win by a two or more goals margin can propel them into the knockout rounds and it was evident in their performance as they played toe-on-toe with their rivals. But all broke loose when Eric Ayiah, finding a bit of space gave Ghana a decisive lead just two minutes before half-time.
The pace and attacking intent which was evident in the first half disappeared as India conceded again in the 51st minute, when Eric Ayiah netted the ball into an empty net, following a rebound from Dheeraj’s hand. From then it was only a matter of time before Ghana won. Indian midfield lacked the normal vibe and it seemed like most of them played as defenders often moving into a seven to eight men defense line. Nonetheless, the Indian boys will leave with their heads held high having put up a brave fight.
However, considering that the Blue Tigers were playing their first ever World Cup, it surely has been a huge learning curve and it will only help in making things better and bigger for Indian football in the future. Dheeraj Moirangthem, who many a times saved the team from blushes was the country’s brightest sparkling jewel, while defender Anwar Ali who will surely be in the contention for best defender is another star for the future. Komal Thatal who played just a single match also has all the skills to make it big, only if he can get his physique right.
USA vs Colombia
United states of America tasted their first defeat of the tournament against Colombia, who playing a do-or-die encounter put three past the strong US defence that were yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Goals from Juan Vidal (3rd), Juan Penaloza (67th) and Deider Caicedo (87th) helped Los Cafeteros win the match. USA although put one back through Acosta in the 24th minute but came second best at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
It was not just a win for the Colombia but brought with it the joy of qualifying for the knock-out rounds, finishing second behind Ghana. USA meanwhile would have to wait a little longer and hope other results go their way in order to assist them in qualifying to the round of 16 as a part of the top four third placed teams in the group stage.
Group B
Mali vs New Zeland
2015 runners-up up Mali thrashed New Zeland 3-1 to race their way into the knockout rounds of the FIFA U-17 WORLD Cup. Salam Giddou, Djemoussa Traore and Lassana N’Diaye all found the net for the African nation while Charles Spragg scored a consolation goall for the Oceania champions at the Nehru stadium in Delhi.
The Kiwis sat back for most part of the match allowing Mali to have a larger share of possession. The move backfired as Mali through small passes among themselves found openings and utilised it to perfection.
Paraguay vs Turkey
Paraguay’s knack of scoring goals doesn’t look to stop and Turkey was the victim this time, as they suffered a thumping 1-3 defeat at the hands ofLa Albirroja. Giovanni Bogado (41st), Fernando Cardozo (43rd) and Antonio Galeano (61st) all scored a goal each to bring up the win.
Turkey however grabbed a consolation goal towards the end of Match. Paraguay meanwhile with 10 goals in the three matches, qualified as a group topper. Meanwhile Turkey had a tournament to forget as they simply could not command over their opposition in a single match.
Results:
New Delhi: Mali 3 (S. Giddou 18′ D. Traore 50′ L. N’Diaye 82′) beat New Zealand 1 (C. Spragg 72′)
Ghana 4 (E. Ayiah 43′, 52′ R. Danso 86′ E. Toku 87′) beat India 0
Navi Mumbai: Paraguay 3 (G. Bogado 41′ F. Cardozo 43′ A. Galeano 61′) beat Turkey 1 (K. Kesgin 90+3′)
USA 1 (G. Acosta 24′) lost to Colombia 3 (J. Vidal 3′ J. Penaloza 67′ D. Caicedo 87′)