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

by Chittu Shetty October 6, 2016

The Indian National U-17 team suffered a close 0-1 defeat against 10 men Russia in their first game of the BRICS U-17 Football Tournament in Bambolim, Goa on Wednesday.

An early goal from Russian club Spartak Moscow‘s highly rated striker Daniil lopatin, was the difference as the Indian colts failed to find a breakthrough in the Russian defence despite having a man advantage for most of the second half.

In the very 3^rd minute of the game, a defensive misunderstanding inside the Indian penalty box saw Lopatin burying his shot past the India custodian Dheeraj. Being constantly out-muscled by their well-built Opponents Indian coach made an early change with Abijit Sarkar being replaced by Aniket Jadhav.

India soon got an opportunity through a Boris’s solid cross which aniket failed to get a proper contact to. In the 31^st minute, another attempt by Boris was cleared of by the Russian keeper. On the other hand the Indian custodian was repeatedly tested by Russian attack but he hanged on as India went into break with just a solitary goal down.

Early in the second half, Indian Skipper Amarjit came close to scoring as his shot whizzed inches wide off the post. Around 50 minute mark, a wild tackle by Russian midfielder Nail Umiarov resulted in the referee giving the midfielder marching orders.

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With a goal advantage and a man down, the Russian colt decided to sit back and defend their score. Going forward looking for the equalizer, Indians came close couple of times but could not break the resolute Russian defence. Substitute Aman Chhetri came with an effort from outside the box but wasn’t enough. In the 83th minute, Komal’s curling attempt went agonizingly close as the ball once again went inches past the post. In the end, the Russian held on to their one goal lead as they took all 3 points.

In the other game, China went down 2-0 against Brazil. Victor Gabriel scored the first ever goal BRICS U-17 Football Tournament while defender Vitor matos’s second half strike sealed the deal.

Gabriel tapped home a cross from the right flank in the first minute itself to give Brazil the advantage. A dominant display by Brazil was the story of the game as china failed to make any threatening impact on Brazil’s defence. A Second half strike from Defender Vitor Matos secured the win for Brazil as Carlus Amadeu’s team take the pole position in the group.

India will now face South Africa on 7^th October, while Russia takes on face china on the same day.

Scores:

India 0- 1 Russia (Lopatin 3’)

China PR 0 – 2 Brazil (Victor Gabriel 1’, Vitor Matos 65’)