India’s U-17 side produced a creditable performance in a 1-3 loss to Brazil at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa as the Indian Colts BRICS Cup journey came to and end with 4 straight losses. Brenner Silva opened the scoring for Brazil in the 2nd minute, but Komal Thatal produced a stunning solo goal to draw India level in the 18th minute. Marcos Antonio’s 29th minute strike gave Brazil the lead again, and Vinicius de Oliviera finished things off in the 82nd minute.
However, India’s performance was truly magnificent, as put in perhaps the toughest fight Brazil faced in the tournament, bar Russia.
Here are five talking points from the game:
#1 A fantastic result for India
It’s odd to call a 3-1 defeat a fantastic result, but this is Brazil we are talking about here. The U-17 version of the Selecao had been swatting teams aside with disdain in the BRICS Cup before, and India exited the tournament by being the only side to score against them. Ahead of the game, many were predicting a heavy loss for the Indians, myself included, and a well-fought defeat was much easier to stomach.
What this result does is provide India a yardstick – given our senior side’s dismal ranking, there was a lot of nervousness about India being humiliated in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. However, we now have proof that the Indian Colts can go toe-to-toe with the best in world football, and not be showed up on the world stage.
It’s still a 3-1 defeat, though, which underlines that this very talented U-17 side still has a lot of room for improvement. Given that they managed to cause Brazil plenty of problems, it is obvious that there is a strong base to work on. More bright performances like this, full of running, and this U-17 side will win plenty of future fans that will cheer them on next year.
#2 Brazil’s interplay was a joy to watch
Brazil have undoubtedly been the best team of the BRICS Cup, which is hardly a surprise. The favourites, however, often relied on moments of individual skill when they defeated the likes of Russia, South Africa and China in the previous games so far, taking their goal tally to 10 after defeating India 3-1.
The Brazilians really turned on the style against India in a collective sense, as they produced some magical one-touch play with incisive through passes repeatedly on the edge of the box to leave Indian defenders chasing dust. All three goals were the result of well-worked moves, as Alan de Souze and captain Cal Lopes controlled things beautifully.
What also stood out was Brazil’s calmness on the ball, patiently probing India’s defensive block for an opening. It was a credit to India though, that there wasn’t an opening for most of the 90 minutes.
#3 Komal Thatal had his best game in an Indian shirt
India have looked bereft of a proper #10 for much of the tournament, which is a bit ironic since Komal Thatal wears that jersey number and operates in that central role behind the striker. However, with Mawia coming in for an injured Meetie, Komal was pushed out wide, and produced a stunning performances on the wing, while also occasionally interchanging positions with Mawia in the centre.
In the initial stages, unlike his teammates, Komal did not look in awe of his Brazilian opponents, trying all sorts of clever tricks and useful touches to get past his markers – he usually succeeded. In the 18th minute, Komal then produced a moment that will be remembered by fans of Indian football for years to come.
India’s #10 cut inside from the left wing on his right foot, leaving the Brazilian right back scrambling, then used the centre-back as a shield as he curled an exquisite shot past Sulzbach in the Brazilian goal and create history. Don’t just read about this, just *look* at this goal.
#4 Credit to Nicolai Adam for tactics
In his post match press conference, Nicolai Adam was full of praise for his young charges, noting that India had played at a much more mature level of football against Brazil. The German has been clamouring for the youth side to get more exposure against the big sides, and his prayers were answered against Brazil.
Every time there has been a flaw readily apparent in the Indian setup, Adam has been swift to correct it. The Indians were far too gung-ho in the AFC U-16 Championships, scoring early and then losing out in the final stages. Just a month later, and Adam has the team set up to be far more compact, which was evident in three 1-0 losses prior to this game.
Adam will have plenty of food for thought after this 3-1 loss to Brazil, as he has a clear goalpost now. If the AIFF can back the German coach and arrange more fixtures for this U-17 side to earn more exposure, India could make a serious dent in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
#5 The perfect platform for the FIFA U-17 World Cup
Unlike the AFC U-16 Championship, there wasn’t much fanfare or publicity for the 2016 BRICS U-17 Football Cup. However, it has proved to be a great blessing for the Indian U-17 side, as they have faced off against better sides than they did in the AFC Championships, although the likes of Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE were no mugs either.
However, the spread of football styles that India played against was universal – South American samba, African physicality, European tactical intelligence and Asian agility all in 9 days. This was a very educational experience for the U-17 side, and players like Aman Chetri, Komal Thatal, Boris Singh and Aniket Jadhav have visibly improved, culminating in a mature performance against Brazil.
While India will not be involved in the final day of the BRICS Cup on the 15th of October, it was a wonderful tournament for the hosts, as they deserved much more than the zero points they finished with. This tournament served to prove that there is plenty to be hopeful for the Indian side, who should be looking at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup with confidence, not nervousness.
