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India's tryst with footballing destiny didn't get off to the brightest of starts as the Blue Colts succumbed 0-3 to USA, who on the day were just a tad bit sharper, quicker and stronger. The visitors who began the proceedings in a formidable fashion finally got their reward when Sargent was brought down by an overzealous Jitendra Singh.
Whilst India finished the half strong, the Americans kept a tight lid on things at the back and finally hit the dagger when Chris Durkin's shot following a corner found it's a through a maze of Indian players and into the back of the net.
The Blue Colts, however, got into the game and could have easily scored if Komal Thatal and Anwar Ali had taken their chances. However, the Indians were dealt a cruel lesson in football as just after Anwar had struck the crossbar, it was the Carleton down the other who showed the Blues how to finish a chance off - rounding the keeper and slotting it home.
When the final whistle finally blew, it was all tears for the Indian but these bunch of history makers have a long way to go.
#1 Adrenaline gets the better of India
At the age of 17, I was struggling to get my calculus right and when it comes to responsibilities it was only about getting done with my daily chores and making sure I didn't late of for school or the tuition. So when you think of these 21 boys who have the weight of the whole country on their shoulders, one might forgive them for the nerves and the adrenaline rush.
Playing in front of not only roaring Indians but also Indian footballing legends as well as the Indian Prime Minister can be a daunting task and this night certainly proved to be so. The kids in Blue were running purely on Adrenaline in the first 30 odd minutes. They were full of nervous energy which led to relentless running and a massive lack of composure - especially when on the ball.
#2 Dheeraj Moirangthem - India's knight in shining armour
The game could well have been truly over and beyond India if not for the brilliance of India No.1 - our main man between the sticks - Dheeraj Moirangthem. The boy from Manipur was called into action as early as the third minute as he closed down Andrew Carleton and then went on to make splendid saves time and again.
If not for him, India could have been down by two within five minutes.
Whether it be producing a brilliant save to deny Carleton again or closing down Akinola - forcing him into an errant chip - the stock for the Indian custodian just reached its peak.
With India looking likely to the underdogs in all the games they play, it will certainly some more brilliance from him if the Blue Colts are to get anything from the remaining two games.
#3 India's lack of experience show
"That was a good tackle from Thatal. But he was just not strong enough there."This remark by the commentator on TV nearly summed up the game for me.
India hit- on occasions, few and far between - but they did. But never really with much authority. Whether it be Thatal's trickery, Aniket's directness or Naorem's one moment of brilliance - there were glimpses of hope but that's all they were - glimpses.
And while we can count ourselves unlucky stating India could have scored two goals on the night, the kids from US of A could have a case as well as Dheeraj Moirangthem time and again came up big to deny them from making this really tragic.
India, after starting off like a bundle of nervous energy finally found their rhythm at the end of the second half and had a much better second half. It might not show on the scoreline but that's how football can go sometimes.
But to think that the US were at any moment panicky would be a longshot. The boys in red on the night were superior and had a hold on the game and showed their might.
#4 Komal Thatal's performance
The son of a tailor, Komal Thatal, Sikkim's latest gift to Indian football has been stitching together India's dream going forward for a long time now. The country's highest goalscorer at this level tonight displayed not only a bold hairstyle but some really good touches on the ball that made people in the stands as well as those around the country glued to their TV stand up and take notice.
Whilst those who have followed the U17 team passionately for last few years will know the quality that the blonde mopped winger-cum-playmaker possesses, he truly strutted his stuff on the biggest stage of all.
He carried an oomph whenever he was on the ball and was never really afraid of taking on Jaylin Lindsey time and again. He got the better of his man a few time, brought in players like Sanjeev Stalin into the game, produced some telling corners and made a run himself that he should have also slotted home.
In all, Thatal's feet has India dreaming and we would like to see him more involved in the games to come.
#5 USA look organised and it won't be surprising if they go a long way
USA are contesting their 16th U-17 World Cup and share the record for the most participations with Brazil. This just goes to show the strength of their grassroots level and they showed that yet again tonight.
The Americans though caught out a few times - you would be forgiven if you had forgotten the colour of the American goalkeeper's kit.
Acosta, Goslin and Ferri were nonchalantly dominant in the middle while Weah and Akinola were ever-threatening on the wings. And then there were Sargent and Carleton - who looked like scoring and oozed class everytime they were on the ball.
Durking scored the goal while Gloster and Lindsey were always up for a run and a tackle. In all, none of the Americans could be singled out for a bad game. They did their job on the day and this should bode well as they get ready for tougher tests ahead.
