FIFA U17 World Cup: 5 positives that India can take from their defeat to USA

India began their FIFA U17 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat against the United States, making it only the fifth instance that a host nation lost its opening match at the FIFA U17 World Cup and also the worst performance by a host in its opening match.

India may have lost badly but it was a pretty gritty performance by an inexperienced side against one of the tournament’s hottest favourites. Hence, the hosts can take quite a few positives from this game which can boost their morale ahead of their must-win game against Colombia.

#5 The Indian players showing some offensive intent

The Indian players made some attacks throughout the game

With the immense pace of USA’s midfielders, India spent the majority of the 90 minutes trying to thwart USA’s attempts on goal. However, they did manage to come up with attacks. The Indian players played a relative offensive game in the second half compared to the first and had a few opportunities to score.

As mentioned by American coach John Hackworth, India’s counter-attacks were pretty good and put the Americans in a spot of bother for a while. Had the Indian players had better finishing abilities, we would have seen an Indian goal or two scored yesterday. However, if the Indian attackers can focus on their finishing abilities, then India could come in their second match as a team which is just as offensive as it is defensive.

#4 A pretty organised defence

The Indian defenders put up a decent show last night

The fact that out of the three goals conceded, only one was a field goal, we can infer that the Indian defence deserves a pat on the back. Against a team containing two of the most prolific strikers taking part in this tournament, the back was quite organized throughout the match.

Jitendra Singh and Anwar Ali were really good, particularly in the first half. Left-back Sanjeev Stalin was real quick on his flank and also tried to generate some attacks from the back. However, the defender who was a total standout was Kerala’s Rahul Kannoly Praveen. The AIFF Elite Academy player made some brilliant interceptions and tackles and his runs down the right flank was crucial in generating attacks.

The Indian backline did make some errors during the second half but their performance was quite commendable. Hence, the Colombian players should be wary of the Indian backline when they take on India on Monday.

#3 Komal Thatal’s performance

Komal Thatal put up a very promising performance last night

The top-scorer and talisman of India’s U-17 team put in a very promising performance and was one of India’s best player last night. The blonde-haired Sikkimese performed the responsibilities of both playmaker and left-winger.

His pace and technique throughout the match was noticeable and made a number of tireless runs up front. He nearly scored a goal himself but did not get the finish right. He was undoubtedly India’s finest attacking contributor last night but his teammates could not cash in on his brilliant crosses. Hence, it is only fair to tell that Komal has what it takes to shine on this stage and he will be a very crucial player when India take on Colombia and Ghana.

#2 Dheeraj Moirangthem the custodian

The Indian goalie made some brilliant saves last night

India would have suffered a much heavier defeat had it not been for the presence of Dheeraj Moirangthem between the sticks. The 17-year-old lad from Manipur made some terrific saves throughout the game.

It took only three minutes before USA took their first shot on goal but Dheeraj produced a sensational save to deny Andrew Carleton and made another save in the fifth minute. The teenager’s brilliant performance in goal was making it difficult for the likes of Josh Sargent and Ayo Akinola to pose much of a threat.

Moirangthem’s performance was also praised by the American coach. Hence, India should be thankful that they have quite a reliable keeper who can rise to the occasion during the remaining group games.

#1 A very gritty performance against a top-quality team

India's performance against the USA wasn't very bad considering USA's performances this year

Barring a 4-0 thrashing against Japan at Prague, the USA have won 10 of their remaining 11 matches in 2017 before the World Cup (one match ended in a draw against Mexico after extra-time). Out of these 10 matches, USA have scored 3 or more goals in 9 of them and out of those nine, a minimum of four goals have been scored in six games.

In skipper Josh Sargent and Ayi Akinola, the Young Stars and Stripes have two strikers who have a combined 42 goals between them (not counting the goal scored by Sargent yesterday). Hence, the fact that India conceded just three goals where only one of those was a field goal, it is not a very bad performance.

Resilience poured from the Indian players and they did pretty well to shut out the USA attack on plenty of occasions. Hence, India should take heart from this performance and try to have a much more positive outlook when they play Colombia and Ghana.