India’s World Cup campaigns starts with a 3-0 loss

by Siddharth Yadav October 6, 2017

6th October 2017, New Delhi: Team India’s first FIFA World Cup appearance didn’t turn out as they expected after a 3-0 loss at the hands of United States of America (USA) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday night. Josh Sargent’s penalty in the first-half was followed by Chris Durkin and Andrew Carleton’s goal in the second-half which takes the USA at the top of Group ‘A’.

Over 46000 fans flocked to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which included the new Indian Ultras Group ‘The Blue Pilgrims’. Prior to the kick-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the players which was followed by the National Anthems of both the outfits, leaving the whole stadium in awe as the Indian U17 side became the very first Indian team to play in a FIFA event.

Right from the beginning, USA looked composed and sharper than Luis Matos’ side. Josh Sargent and Andrew Carleton created numerous opportunities in first few minutes. Sargent almost opened the scoring but Dheeraj Singh came on top with a superb save.

India’s joy was short lived when USA were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute after Captain Josh Sargent was fouled inside the box. Sargent himself stepped up and opened the scoring with a calm penalty. Although, India conceded, the Blue Tigers responded brilliantly as the trio of Komal Thatal, Nintho Meetei and Abhijit Sarkar showed glimpses of spark upfront.

USA continued from where they had left as they swiftly took their chances. The second goal came near the hour mark when Chris Durkin’s left footed shot took a slight deflection of Anwar Ali and went past Dheeraj Singh, who was spectacular tonight against the USA.

The introduction of Nongdamba Naorem added more spark as India kept hunting for a goal. Naorem brilliantly danced past couple of players but couldn’t get a shot on target. A few minutes later, Komal’s corner found Anwar Ali whose effort hit the post. USA utilized Anwar’s miss and launched a thunderous counter-attack which led to the third goal when Andrew Carleton cut Dheeraj Singh and wrapped up the game in style.