BRICS Cup: A spirited Indian colts failed again as they go down 1-0 to South Africa, Russia thrashes China 4-1

by Chittu Shetty October 8, 2016

A familiar story was in witness as the host India once again failed to find the net going to down 1-0 to the South African team. Despite controlling possession for most part of the game, the Indian colts failed to give finishing touches at the final third.

The game witnessed an end-to-end contest, with both teams creating numerous chances in the first half an hour. But it was South Africa that went ahead midway through the first half with a brilliant header from Radzilani to a foster’s cross that gave Indian custodian Dheeraj no chance.

India went close number of times, around 40^th minute Komal and Sanjeev smartly opened up space in the middle before laying the ball off to Aniket, who beat his marker, dribbled past a couple of challenges before taking a shot that got blocked out for a corner.

With South Africa putting plenty of last minutes tackles India failed to take the lead and went into the break trailing by a goal.

Off the pitch, while the broadcasting quality of the tournament has been criticized, lack of sensibility was visible among the TV presenter at the ground as we saw India coach Nicolai Adams giving Interviews at the break instead of motivating his team in the dugout.

India dominated in the start of the second half as well, with Aman Chhetri nearly scoring from South African keeper’s fumbling error in the 53^rd minute.On the other hand the Indian keeper was absolutely fantastic, making a couple of crucial saves to keep India in the game.

Also Read: BRICS U-17 Cup: 10 man Russia edge past a resilient Indian team, Brazil breeze past China

The hosts continued to apply heavy pressure but failed to get anything. The home team was guilty of not converting their chances at the final third. Around the 84^th minute an unmarked Abhijit was provided with a golden opportunity only to be flagged offside. By the end, India managed to get numerous free Kicks as South African started time wasting and putting everything on the line to defend their slender one goal lead in the process giving away fouls and picking up cards.

In the injury time, India gave all out with almost all the outfield players in the attacking third, but South Africa put in some fantastic blocks to deny India a goal and hold on for the win.

Earlier in the day, Russia’s hammered China 4-1 to go top of the table. A dominant display was in witness as Russia made merry of their opponent to score four past them before an injury time penalty for china helped them to restore some parity.

Scores: India U16 0 – 1 South Africa U16 (Radzilani)

Russia U16 4 – 1 China U16