Thousands of hearts were won at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium yesterday as the referee blew the final whistle and brought the curtain down on India’s first ever game in a World Cup competition.
Cheered on by more than 46,000 fans, Amarjit Singh’s young India showed grit, spirit and no lack of technical ability even though they lost 0-3 to a strong USA side.
Goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh was exceptional between the sticks despite being beaten by goals from Josh Sargent, Chris Durkins and Andrew Carleton.
The Blue Pilgrims are the Indian National Football Team supporters (pictured)
Goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh was exceptional between the sticks despite
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the FIFA U-17 World Cup match between India and the USA in New Delhi, India
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself cheering for the boys from the stands, India put on the kind of show to suggest that this will be the first of many World Cup appearances over the years to come.
The presence of legends PK Banerjee and Chuni Goswami made it a memorable evening for all involved.
Dheeraj Singh in particular was in fantastic form as the USA attack didn’t give Indian defenders a moment’s peace, with Dheeraj often saving the day.
Ninthoinganba Meetei of India battles with Chris Gloster USA during the FIFA U-17 World Cup
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets former Indian Football palyer Baichung Bhutia
Sunil Chhetri (right) Indian Football Captain with the U17 players Dheeraj Singh (centre) during a live show
With cat-like reactions Singh showed great ability to save point blank shots, and was comfortable, time and time again in coming out of his box to clear the danger. The Manipuri custodian can be very proud of his contribution.
As the game progressed India grew in confidence and began to launch a fight back later in the second half but failed to find the net.
‘Their centre backs were really good but the goalie was exceptional. He made so many saves early on,’ USA coach John Heckworth said of Dheeraj.
Luis Norton de Matos’ team selection was a fair reflection on how he approached the game. Playing six midfielders against an attacking USA side, De Matos played safe to keep his defenders protected.
India lost 3-0 to a strong USA team with keeper Dheeraj Singh (left) standing out
However, that wasn’t the case to be as skipper Sargent and co attacked like a pack of wolves right from the word go.
The first real chance game came to USA’s way when Tim Weah’s beautiful throw ball towards Ayo Akinola was shot just wide of the post.
USA continued to press but failed to break Dheeraj’s resilience.
India could only keep possession for short periods and spent much of the game on the back foot. At times there wasn’t a release ball with India’s offensive stars spending their time helping out in defence.
Chris Durkin of USA celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
Skipper Amarjit was often stranded in the midfield looking for passes while winger Komal Thatal solo efforts went in vain.
Frustration weighed in on the Indian players, often leading to unwanted fouls or unnecessary tackles.
Team USA’s first goal came at the half hour mark when Sargent was tripped inside the box by defender Jitendra Singh. The referee didn’t take need second opinion as he blew the whistle for a penalty without hesitation.
Sargent, who scored five goals during the qualifiers, made no mistake this time around.
Komal did keep India in the hunt with his continuous presence on the left wing and looks like being a genuine threat for defences in the games to come.
In the second half, the Indian players finally gave fans something to cheer for. After Chris Durkin’s 51st goal via deflection from Anwar Ali, India launched counter-attack in the 55th minute. A through ball was threaded towards Komal’s path who found himself one on one with the goalkeeper.
However, the midfielder skied the shot much to the fans misery. India continued to thrive on the attack through Aniket Jadhav and Komal but it was often a case of so close yet so far.