U17 WORLD CUP

Clinical Ghana puts it past Colombia in the opening match

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated some former India captains, thousands of school-children, transported from schools in and around Delhi, hunted for water in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Disappointed and thirsty, they returned to their seats to vociferously and sportingly cheer their heroes against United States. The result, 3-0 in US’s favour, added to the despondency of the home supporters.

The felicitation, in keeping with the tardy arrangements overall at the venue, introduced Magan Singh as Bhaskar Ganguly. There was order, however, on the field where Ghana, giving a clinical exhibition of modern football, beat Colombia 1-0 in the opening match of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup here on Friday.

The United States team as expected outclassed the Indians, who struggled to match their skilful opponents. In terms of speed, ball possession and finishing, the home team appeared out of place.

The pressure on the defence meant the attacks were limited and the US capitalised with the pair of Josh Sargent and Ayo Akinola linking well. The latter was a constant threat on the left flank.

Chris Gloster was an untiring support for his strikers. He was the key as India, time and again, ran into him. The lone chance for India came late in the first half when Aniket Jadhav tested the rival goalkeeper.