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The Indian U17 side went down fighting against South American powerhouses Colombia in an enthralling game at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, 2-1. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi witnessed an electrifying battle between India and Colombia, as both sides played with much-attacking intent from the start.
The game kick-started with Colombia dominating the game, but it was India who succeeded in converting their possession to chances. Both teams displayed a good game in the first half, as it was a show incorporating solid defence and quick attacks.
Earlier in the second half, Colombia broke the stalemate as Juan Penaloza scored a long-ranger which beat the diving Dheeraj Singh. In the 81st minute, India scored their equalizer as Sanjeev Stalin's swirled corner found Jeakson, whose powerful header found the goal, scoring the first goal of India in the FIFA tournament.
But the joy of Indians lasted not even for a minute as Penaloza again defeated Dheeraj Singh, with a short range goal this time around. Despite the heavy efforts by India, the hosts remain winless in their FIFA U17 venture.
Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem: 8
The Manipuri goalkeeper had an excellent day at the office. He was up to the mark in denying deleterious Colombian attacks. He often came out of the box to make interceptions and was outstanding with his reflex skills.The goalkeeper thwarted the Colombian attacks with superb reflexes and anticipation.
Although he conceded two goals, Dheeraj Singh's performance will be ever reminded in the hearts of Indian football fans and the opponents. His performance reminded us the game of Manuel Neuer, who is good at coming out of the box, and making fierce tackles and interceptions. A player who has promised us a lot, and a player who is for the future, Dheeraj Singh will have already startled the world with his ability.
Boris Thangjam: 8
India's right fullback against Colombia, Boris Singh was a persistent presence at the right wing and his quickness, agile body were all used to build chances for India. A fatal weapon in the flanks, Boris whipped the balls into box, created blitz, but the attempts were blocked by Colombia
Namit Deshpande: 7
Stern at the back, Namit was solid at the heart of Indian defence. He along with Anwar Ali managed to stymie Colombian attackers. A player who was durable, Namit fickled during the later stages of the game, and the goals conceded would have been easily impeded if Namit could perform as does Anwar
Anwar Ali: 9
Akin to Dheeraj Singh, Anwar Ali was tenacious and ample at the back. The never-give-up attitude of the defender brought an indomitable spirit at the back. He outdid the Colombian attackers with elegant tackles and fair interceptions.
Sanjeev Stalin: 7
The player had a decent game with the squad. He was vulnerable to Colombian attacks in the left wing, and he failed to thwart the Penaloza's first goal.
Though he made few mistakes in the defence, Sanjeev was regular in building up India's attack. The player oozed past many Colombian defenders at many instances and has helped India strengthen their dominance in the game as it progressed.
Jeakson Thounaojam: 8
The first player to score a goal for India, Jeakson contributed to the midfield immensely. The player did well in reclaiming the lost balls from Colombian midfielders. He had some good moment with the team as he assisted the squad with half chances and openings frequently throughout the game.
His header from the corner which swirled into the box was the top-notch moment which measured his talent. The attempt he made was so strong that even no other team could have defended it.
Amarjit Singh Kiyam: 7
Contrast to his weak performance against the USA, Indian captain Amarjit Singh made his impact throughout the game as he was the lynchpin of India's midfield. The skipper provided the Indian defence with the necessary support and was there up front to provide the attackers with chances they could certainly have exploited better.
Rahul KP: 7
The versatile player from the southernmost state of India, KP Rahul was a regular threat for the Colombian side to thwart in the left side. The player from Kerala had been there to lead the attack for India. Rahul provided Indian defence with some fine interceptions and his combination with Sanjeev Stalin was also laudable.
The player also got chances to open the account for India, but his volley was off the post and another attempt of his was a header that went too wide.
Khumanthem Ninthoiganba: 7
Another good performer for India, the No.7 commanded the game for Indian in the midfield. The player did his best to supply the ball to the attackers, and he made few brilliant runs into the box, dribbling past the Colombian defenders, but were all futile as Indian Colt's couldn't convert it.
Abhijit Sarkar: 6
The player had a decent game at the office. Unlike the earlier game, Abhijit made his mark, but his performance was not the best. He had some good time at the park as he once went past the flexible and robust Colombian defence, but he his shot was hit at the Colombian goalkeeper.
Rahim Ali: 5.5
The attacker performed finely for India, but the lack of his ability to exploit minuscule flaws made by the Colombian defence. A player who was expected to be the poacher for India, Rahim Ali was outplayed by the Colombian defence. Although he made his mark barely in the attacking third, Rahim Ali came back and supported the Indian
Nongdamba Naorem: 6
Coming on as a substitute, Naorem steered the wheel for India in the last quarter. Soon after he came in, Naorem combined well with Rahim Ali and Aniket, producing some eye-catching football late in the game.
He got a chance to score for India, but his shot had a slight touch with the Colombian goalkeeper, which deviated away from the target.
Aniket Jadav: 6
Another substitute India opted during the game, Aniket's impact was just like Naorem. He dribbled past Colombian defenders, provided Naorem with a delicious ball, which was thwarted by the goalkeeper. In the final quarter, Aniket dictated things well for India, as he and Naorem created some uncomfortable moments for the Colombian defenders, and succeeded in floundering them.
