Kolkata: The 48,000 odd fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi couldn’t help but applaud the Indian U-17 boys with chants of “India.. India” despite the 1-2 loss in a crucial encounter against Colombia. Jeakson Singh Thounaojam provided hope when he scored India’s first ever goal in a FIFA tournament but could not save his side from losing on Monday.
Playing their second match of Group A, India were off to a shaky start as De Matos brought in four changes to his line-up, with Komal Thatal, Suresh Singh, Jitendra Singh all benched. The moved proved to be a wise one as the match progressed, as the taller Indians gave their Colombian counterparts a tough fight in the air.
A completely rejuvenated and different team from a side that lost to USA in the opening match, the colts in blue had the Colombian goal at their mercy in the 16th minute only to see Abhijit Sarkar’s attempt pumped away by the goalie for a corner. Another similar chance went begging just before the end of the first half when Rahul Kannoly with only the keeper to beat shot into the post.
However, despite the goalless half India after a defensive game against USA, produced one of its fine attacking displays. Ninthoinganba Meetei’s constant runs down the right flank raised hopes for a goal, while Rahim Ali – Abhijit Sarkar’s understanding almost put India ahead twice in the match.
However, a little short of concentration put Los Cafeteros ahead in the 49th minute after Juan Penalliza shot one out of Dheeraj Moirangthem reach into the top left corner. But, India did not lose hope and instead reacted with a flurry of attacks which bore fruit in the 82nd minute when substitue Jeakson Singh Thounaojam headed in a Sanjeev Stalin corner to equalise for the hosts. The goal sent the fans into a frenzy but India had not even completed celebrating their first ever goal in a FIFA tournament when Penalliza scored for the second time to put his side ahead while also sealing the match for Colombia.
Nevertheless, India may have lost, but produced one of it’s finest performances that will remembered in the years to come. The players fought a brave fight and almost snatched a draw in only’s it’s second match but now will need a win against Ghana on Thursday to keep any hopes of qualifying.
USA vs Ghana
USA became the first team from Group A to qualify for the round of 16 matches after they defeated former champions Ghana by a 1-0 margin of goals. Ayo Akinola scored the solitary goal for his side to bring up the win.
Group B
Paraguay vs New Zealand
Paraguay became the second team after USA to qualify for the round of 16 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, after seeing out a tough New Zealand side in another goal fest. Six players scored for the La Albirroja in the 4-2 victory against the Kiwis. Aníbal Vega scored two while Alan Rodriguez and Blas Armoa chipped in with a goal each. Alexis Duarte scored two own goals that helped New Zealand come back into the match. The South American side has now scored seven goals in two matches but will still be worried after coping four goals.
Brief Scores:
GROUP A:
New Delhi – USA 1 (A. Akinola 75′) beat Ghana 0
India 1 (J. Singh 82′) lost to Colombia 2 (J. Penaloza 49′, 83)
GROUP B:
Navi Mumbai – Mali 3 (D. Traore 38′ L. N’Diaye 68′ F. Konate 86′) beat Turkey 0
Paraguay 4 (A. Rodriguez 2′ A. Vega 75′, 78′, B. Armoa 90+1′) beat New Zealand 2 ( A. Duarte 20′ (OG), 34′(OG) ).