New Delhi: Ecstacy turned into agony in 60 seconds for India in their U-17 FIFA World Cup game against Colombia at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Monday. When defensive midfielder Jeakson Thounaojam neutralised Colombia’s lead by scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 82nd minute, India were minutes away from securing their maiden draw in only the second attempt.
But that was not to be as Juan Penaloza (83rd) scored his second of the night on the counter to leave the home players, as well as the crowd, crestfallen.
Nonetheless, a charged up India produced one of their finest performances before going down 1-2 in front of disappointed but a proud group of spectators, who witnessed a historic first- ever FIFA World Cup goal.
India scored when Jeakson, the tallest player in the side, headed in a Sanjeev Stalin corner, sending the whole stadium into a state of delirium.
The move to make four changes by coach Luis Norton de Matos proved to be a wise one as the taller Indian players ensured they were equal to the task, when it came to the aerial battle against the well-built Colombians.
It was a very different India that turned up after the 0-3 loss to USA three nights ago. They were on the ball from the word go and even though the Colombians had more of possession, India very much managed to make their presence felt.
The hosts had the Colombians at their mercy in the 16th minute. But, to the disappointment of the thousands occupying the stands, Abhijeet Sarkar, having found a clear view of the goal, saw his shot being palmed over by the Colombian goalie.
India came close again, but Rahul Kanoly’s volley thudded against the post instead of finding the back of the net. The pain on coach De Matos’ face was palpable as the Indians once fumbled after coming so close.
The misses proved costly as Penaloza put Colombia ahead in the 49th minute. The midfielder ran to the edge of the box and kept the Indian defenders guessing with his deft footwork, before unleashing a rasping left-footed volley to the bottom left corner of Dheeraj Singh’s post.
Other results
USA 1 Ghana 0
Mali 3 Turkey 0
Paraguay 4 New Zealand 2
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