5 talking points from India Under-17s’ 2–2 draw with Benfica

#2 Norton de Matos has made the Colts tactically better

The Colts kept Benfica at bay for 70 minutes

There was no early gung-ho stuff to be seen from the Colts as they waited for Benfica to take a proactive approach. The Portuguese side built up play patiently, but every time they tried to attack through the centre, India would push them back. There was a 4–4–2-ish look to the Indian team, with the ball-side winger tucking into a defensive position when Benfica tried to attack through the wide areas.

India’s discipline in the middle third denied Benfica chances to create clear-cut opportunities, and it also showed the growing maturity of the Colts heading into the World Cup later this year.