FIFA U17 World Cup 2017:  India 1-2 Colombia, 5 talking points

"15 seconds of ecstasy?" or "Close but no cigar?" If a feature film was made on India's game against Colombia on Monday night at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, the two titles above would have been near apt describe the proceedings.

After being thwarted by the goalkeeper and the crossbar (again), Indian moment finally came in the World Cup when Jaekson Singh rose above all and nodded in the country's first ever goal at a FIFA World Cup. The joy that the goal brought, to the crowd in the stadium and millions outside (acting as an equaliser after Juan Peñaloza had given Colombia the lead), was short-lived as Peñaloza doubled his as well as his country's tally and put a dampener on the proceedings as Colombia finally ran out 2-1 winners on the night.

While this loss might be the death-knell for India in the World Cup, the Blue Colts can certainly

#1 Let's talk about the goal

India's first goalscorers in football history:

Olympics: 1948, S Raman, v FRA

Asian Games: 1951, S Mewalal, v INA

Asian Cup: 1964, Appalaraju, v KOR

World cup(U17): 2017, Jaekson Singh vs Colombia

There are some records which just can't be broken. They are the names which will be etched into the stones for eternity - the first to reach a milestone. Welcome - Jaekson Singh.

When Jaekson was not chosen to be a part of the starting eleven in the first game, Ranjit Bajaj, the owner of Minerva FC - the club from which the youngster has been graduating through the academy ranks was dismayed. In the game against Colombia, the lanky midfielder showed just why.

Replacing Suresh Wangjam after he had a not-so-impressive beginning in the game against the US, Jaekson Singh looked composed in midfield and kept things ticking over whenever India had the ball - which unfortunately was again not much.

However, his rise to fame late in the second half when he rose like a Collasus and finished like an adept striker to put India's name in the list of countries to have scored a goal in a FIFA World Cup. And that will stay with him and our hearts forever.

#2 Let's talk about the selection

Matos rang in the changes

The first real surprise came in when Matos announced the team sheet. While a host of changes were expected no one foresaw Komal Thatal being dropped.The young boy from Sikkim had captured the imagination with his fearless approach in the game against the USA and it was to him the team turned to time and again in their opener to get them some good purchase whilst moving forward.

The blonde-haired Sikkimese talent was, however, dropped for what looked like tactical reasons by Matos as he preferred Rahul and Ninthoinganba on the two wings.

Another interesting change was Aniket Jadhav. The forward had looked as fervent as any in the first game. Matos, however, preferred the lanky Rahim to take his place - something he really didn't do to good effect.

Even Nangdomba Naorem, who impressed mightily in the little time afforded to him failed to crack the starting line-up. However, within minutes of coming on, he again showed what this fleet-footed winger is capable of.

Did Matos miss some tricks?

#3 The Spiderkid of India?

Great work by Dheeraj at the Goal Post! C'mon India... let's win this one! #INDvCOL @IndianFootball @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/FYdRPlflOx

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 9, 2017

It was in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup that Subrata Paul got his nickname of being the "Spiderman of India". The veteran put on a show for all to see to keep the scoreline respectable for Bob Houghton's side as India were clearly outmatched and outclassed in the tournament.

International tournaments seem to bring out the best in Indian keepers and Dheeraj Moinrangthem is no exception. The boy from Manipur followed up his brilliant display against the US with another impressive showing against Colombia.

India's last line of defence was always there whenever called upon to deliver. He showed great reflexes when Campaz looked set to open the scoring after he towered over Boris and put his header on target from the back post.

The man was again called upon to deliver when Yadir Meneses' took a snapshot from outside the box a few minutes and deliver, he did.

Not only was Dheeraj great in his shot blocking but also was phenomenal in his reading of the game. Knowing the fact that the Colombian forwards had the beating of the Indian defenders for pace, the tall keeper came out time and again to act as a sweeper keeper. Another thing that Dheeraj will now be remembered for now are his huge throws which easily cleared the centre line as time and again he sought to take the attack to the South Americans on the break.

#4 Anwar Ali stands out

After impressing against USA, Anwar Ali was on the mark against Colombia as well

Minerva FC and Ranjit Bajaj seem to be gifts that keep on giving for Indian football. The club has given this team some of the best talents to Indian football - four of which are currently in the Indian team.

One of biggest names amongst them to have impressed in the World Cup has so far has been Anwar Ali. The boy with the ponytail, the defender at the heart of the defence has thoroughly impressed with his reading of the game and astute tackling. That was on show again today as he again led the defensive line - keeping the Colombians (who had nearly 70% possession of the ball) out time and again.

What was more impressive was the boy showed not only his talent but his character as well as he soldiered on even after taking a few hefty knocks.

#5 Miles to go yet

India are finally on the map

Yes, India has finally played the World Cup and yes, we have finally scored in them as well. We have made history and gave some of the finest teams a good run as well. And yes, we can be playing the FIFA World Cup again in 2019 as the country looks to bid to host the U20 World Cup.

But India as a footballing country shouldn't be resting on these laurels of playing as a host country to time and again boost its footballing economy.

What this tournament has taught us is that our boys are there mentally to compete against the very best. But we are still years behind. Our boys have put up a fight and showed resiliency but to say that we have competed at an even keel would be foolhardy.

Both Colombia and USA had the beating of us in terms of physicality, technical ability on the ball and in terms of speed of play.

Our boys have made us proud. We have soaked in the exhilaration. But it's now time to move on.