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What's the story?
Indian football team scored their first goal in any age group of the FIFA World Cup against Colombia as Sanjeev Stalin's swirling corner found the head of Jeakson who duly converted it. Amid the huge celebrations of Indian players and staffs, one player was found not participating in it and it became the subject for many critics.
As the image above shows, the Kerala-born Rahul Kannoly Praveen was seen holding his head in the background while the rest of the team wheeled away in celebration, causing a minor stir.
In case you didn't know...
The latest edition of FIFA U17 World Cup saw the hosts India make their debut on the global stage. The India U17s were drawn alongside heavyweights like USA, Colombia and Ghana.
Despite performing their best, India bowed out of the tournament, losing all three group games and conceding nine goals in the process. The only goalscorer for India in the tournament was Jeakson, who scored against Colombia with a bullet header.
Heart of the matter
Jeakson's equalizer against Colombia made the fans and players go crazy., but the versatile Indian star did not take part in the celebration as he was busy praying for the nation, revealed an excited Rahul after receiving a grand welcome in his own home state, Kerala.
Rahul is among the four players who played for India throughout the tournament. Rahul was deployed as right back against the USA, while his role in the other two games was as an attacker.
What's next?
Rahul is among the players who have not yet penned down a deal with AIFF. Reports earlier confirmed that a few I-League and ISL clubs have shown interest in these players as they have already offered them a threefold rise in the wages they were given.
Author's take
One of the best performers of India at the FIFA U17 World Cup, Rahul proved himself to the world that he has the ability to ply his trade in every part of the pitch. A player blessed with quick pace, attacking intent, solid defensive work rate and creativity, what Rahul showed to the world will have immense value for the generations to come.
