The Indians once again performed with admirable excellence, but unlike their earlier three matches (where they were unlucky not to get a draw at least, especially against China), they were thoroughly outplayed by an accomplished Brazil. The important thing from the home team's point of view is that none of the lads were overawed, gave it their all, and went down fighting. It's this spirit, this attitude – even more than the brilliant ball-playing skills – that will stand them in good stead and gives rise to hope in the hearts of the most pessimistic Indian fan.
Here we take a look at how the lads from the Home Side performed -
Mohammad Nawaz - 7/10
The goalkeeper was in excellent form as he ably deputized for the injured Dheeraj Singh. He collected high balls well, produced some excellent saves when called upon – and was beaten by three goals of the highest quality. No shame in that.
Boris Singh – 6/10
The right back usually so full of enthusiasm and adventure was pegged back by the relentless Brazilian pressure, and couldn't embark on any of his trademark rampaging runs. He was found out defensively on more than one occasion, as any winger-converted-to-fullback will against quality opposition. Not his best day in office, today
Jitendra Singh – 6/10
Solid and strong, the dependable centre-back put in a good shift. Kept a high line well with fellow center back Rakip but the Brazilians' pace and off the ball movement troubled him constantly
Mohammed Rakip – 6/10
Jitendra's centre back partner put in a good shift as well, but as was the case with his partner, he was caught out on more than one occasion by the visitors' smart movement. Was dominant in the air, though, and the Brazilians got no joy aerially with Rakip and Jitendra getting on the end of most.
Sanjeev Stalin – 7/10
The left-back was also pegged back with the Brazilan wingers causing constant mischief down the flanks. More solid defensively than Boris, he had the number on his winger though and had a good game defensively. His setpieces were excellent as ever, and although he didn't get many freekick opportunities, the deliveries that he could put in all created a ruckus.
Lalangmawia (off 63')– 6/10
Initially earmarked to start on the right, he played in the center, behind Aman Chetri – as Komal Thatal moved to the left flank. Was ineffectual for large portions, but tirelessly ran the channels and hassled the Brazilian midfield – that in all honesty was just too strong for him. He had a great chance on the 31st minute, but he seemingly couldn't believe that he had so much space, and that created fatal hesitation.
Suresh Singh – 6/10
The midfielder as is his wont was promising in patches, but he had one too many misplaced passes. He's been doing this for a while now – mixing promising potential with sloppy passing, and he needs to get working on it pronto
Amarjit Singh – 7/10
Was equally culpable of playing sloppy, misplaced passes as his central midfield partner. Lost the ball too on occasion as he tried to overcomplicate the simple things, but showcased his superb ability to read the flow of the game by stepping in with a number of crucial interceptions.
Aniket Jadhav (Off 90') – 7.5/10
The Maharashtrian was tireless on the right flank, where his pace kept the Brazilian left winger/wingback pegged back. It was Aniket's and Komal's running that forced the Brazilian coach, Carlos Amadeu, to switch to a back four – for the first time this tournament. A small win, right there, for India's supremely talented wingers.
Komal Thatal – 9.5/10
India's lively little playmaker was brilliant. Everytime he got the ball in the opposition half, the Brazilians looked flustered. Seemingly had magic-dust on his boots as he created mischief all throughout. After being laid into in the first 15 minutes, it was Komal who led the fightback. His goal was utterly brilliant – one of those rare genuinely goosebump inducing moments. It was, in a word, magnifique! He was India's best player on the day, and possibly, on the pitch.
Aman Chetri (Off 80') – 8/10
The striker was isolated for large patches as Brazil dominated possession, but he was tireless in his running and continued to hassle and harry defenders to the point where he almost dropped out of sheer exhaustion. His smart off-the-ball movement created spaces that Komal and Aniket the freedom to express themselves. A superb player, he is probably the best footballer in this supremely talented bunch.
Read, also – BRICS U-17 Cup 2016 : India 1-3 Brazil - 5 Talking Points
SUBSTITUTES
Nongthongbam Singh Joysana ( On 63') – 7/10
He replace alangmawia and played with more directness than Mawia. Created chances and made himself a nuisance for the Brazilians with his dribbling ability and pace.
Narender (On 80') – 5/10
Coming on as a replacement for Aman, it was a slightly surprising decision considering the Delhiite is more of a defensive player. Tried his best, and kept on running – but didn't have much of an impact on the proceedings
Rajil Saji (On 90') – N.A.
The Malayalee came on way too late to have any impact on the proceedings
