'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAQAAAAASb//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/2gAIAQIQAAAANf/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQMQAAAAL//EACEQAAICAQIHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDAgQRAAUGBxMicYKT/9oACAEBAAE/AN94NS6hNSBWQxljqGcV9qoCGBCI85PtocviRkXI/PX/xAAaEQABBQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIDBAUR/9oACAECAQE/ABq2GRjhX//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIRP/2gAIAQMBAT8A2tR//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Indian U17 team have been dealt a heavy injury scare ahead of their must-win final group game against Ghana as star defender Anwar Ali has a possibility of missing the all-important tie. Ali was brilliant against Colombia as he made several crucial tackles and interceptions in addition to many pivotal clearances close to the goal-line which helped India keep the Colombian attackers at bay for a long time.
However, the teenager also received several painful hits on his foot but somehow managed to play the entirety of the game with the pain. The bravery has come at some cost as reports have emerged that the defender missed a training session today and was unable to even walk properly.
Despite no formal report being given out by the Indian Football team officials, the blows he received on his foot were massive which is enough to imply that his feet are not as strong as they were during the first India’s first two matches. Ali posted on Instagram, stating, “The suffering one has to endure is excruciating, but at the end of the day what gives me comfort is that you are fighting for billions of people and the country. I wouldn’t mind endless such moments for the proud Republic of India.”
If India are to make it to the Round of 16 then they will have to defeat Ghana by at least three goals and hope that the USA beat Colombia by at least two goals. The hosts can also make it by virtue of being one of the best four third-ranked teams but for that, they will also require a decent enough goal-difference as three points may not be enough to take them through.
Anwar Ali has been in brilliant form for India throughout the competition so far and he is the nucleus of Indian defence. However, if he is injured and not able to play, then it will be a huge blow for the hosts. So, let’s hope Ali takes some rest which can keep his feet strong enough to play India’s all-important clash against Ghana.
