After spending 90 minutes on the field in their first-ever appearance in the FIFA U-17 World Cup against USA on Friday, the dust of creating history must have settled on the Indian team.
And now, they are presented with their best chance of tasting an unlikely victory in the tournament.
With Colombia also without a point after one game, the Indian colts could well dream about somehow pulling off a win against them on Monday, which would keep them in contention to qualify for the next round.
The hosts, who looked overawed by the occasion in their maiden FIFA outing, have no reason to show nerves against Colombia.
But more than aiming for the moon, the colts would like to repeat the theme of “unity and endurance”, which they displayed in abundance in their 0-3 loss to USA.
Komal Thatal’s brilliant artistry on the left wing along with Ninthoinganba Meetei’s speed from the right was the highlight of the first outing.
The team looked better after coach Luis Norton de Matos included Rahim Ali and Nongdamba Naorem after the first half.
It will be interesting to see how many changes de Matos makes in his starting XI on Monday. One thing, however, is certain that right-back Boris Thangjam will replace Rahul Kannoly after serving his suspension. If Ali is made to start, then the Indian team’s formation could well change.
On the other hand, Colombia lost 0-1 to Ghana in their opening Group A tie and will come out hungrier to set the scores even with an eye on the next round qualification.
Beating India will be just the right preparation before their all-important last group game against USA.
Despite their defeat, the Colombians are a force to reckon with on the field. Left winger Leandro Campaz looked impressive in his limited appearance against Ghana. And the likes of Andres Perea and Etilso Martinez will test the capabilities of Amarjit Singh and Suresh Singh Wangjam in the midfield.
“The team will fight to the last minute and play with confidence to give Colombia a run for their money,” de Matos said here on the eve of the game.
“Colombia are tough opponents and they possess the necessary elements to hurt us. We have to be on our toes all throughout and have to focus on the task at hand. They will also give us a tough, physical fight but we are ready for it,” he added.
The coach admitted that his boys were overawed by the atmosphere in the first game and failed to express themselves fully against USA.
“We had a nervy start against USA. The players were bit shy and could not play their game against a team of the quality of USA. It was their first match ever in a FIFA World Cup and emotions can be a little hard to control when you play in front such huge crowd for the very first time,” India’s head coach added.
The Portuguese also hoped that the huge crowd support will once again help India apply pressure on their more superior but desperate opponents, who will not just be eager to open their account but also look to score more goals to improve their goal difference.
THANGJAM RETURNS AFTER SUSPENSION
Right-back Boris Thangjam will replace Rahul Kannoly after serving his suspension in India’s playing XI against Colombia. Thangjam had picked up a red card against Iran in the AFC U-16 Championship in Goa last year, keeping him out of India’s opener against USA on Friday
DID YOU KNOW?
Colombia have finished third in the U-17 World Cup in two out of their previous five appearances
