FIFA U17 World Cup 2017: India 0-4 Ghana, 5 talking points

The end of the dream

India's World Cup dream came to an end after the group stage itself.

Since the day FIFA announced that India would get the opportunity to host it's maiden World Cup, the buildup of excitement grew, and grew as time passed, and in the final few days leading up to the tournament it reached fever pitch, primarily surrounding the Indian national side.

Six days into the tournament, and a sinking feeling has crept inside the hearts of most of the Indian fans, a feeling that "will we ever get such a glorious chance again?" as India bow out of the tournament. Conceding nine and scoring just one. A singular goal, celebrated as a landmark, as a milestone. And why not?

It was the first time that an Indian had rustled the back of the net at a FIFA World Cup. India were discounted as the first to be knocked out by many when the groups were drawn and the prospect of facing high profile teams like Ghana, USA and Colombia came into forefront. But even though the prediction sadly came true, India were much more than just a weakling in the group, proving again and again that even when struck down, they will stand back up, fight, but never give up. A quality that won over the hearts of the millions in the country and abroad.

India showed everyone, that once touted the sleeping giants of world football, they have finally woken up from their sleep. Maybe getting off the proverbial bed to 'get set and go' might take some more time, but the new footballing dawn has finally arrived for them and if things go right, it's all upwards from here.