FIFA U17 World Cup: 5 things that went wrong for India

When it was first announced that India would host the FIFA U-17 World Cup, everyone in the country was excited. The euphoria of participating in a football World Cup had swept us off our feet.

When the team started winning matches in foreign, we started believing in the team – we started hoping. Alas, there is no true despair without hope.

On Thursday, India’s first ever tryst with the FIFA U-17 World Cup came to a disappointing end after suffering a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Ghana. Having already lost the first two matches against the USA and Colombia, the young team finished their campaign without a single point to their name.

It was a harsh reality check for a side that actually showed promise.

Here, we take a look at five things that went wrong for the Indian youngsters.

#5 Overwhelmed by the occasion

The way India started their campaign against the USA, especially the way they played in the first half of the game, they weren’t even the shadow of the team that was winning matches in foreign soils.

The passing was erratic, the players could not keep the ball for long, and the defenders were not maintaining their positions. The forwards were guilty of wasting many chances to go forward by playing too selfishly. The whole team, barring ‘keeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, underperformed in that first 45 minutes.

The only reason that can be deemed to be valid for this was that the boys were completely overwhelmed by the huge occasion of playing in a World Cup. In the next two matches, the Indians showed more resolution but the bad start had already done enough damage.

#4 Difficult group

India were pooled alongside Ghana, the USA and Colombia, all far more experienced and skilful sides. In fact, Ghana are two-time U17 world champions while USA’s youth system is currently one of the best in the world.

It was never going to be an easy group. Nevertheless, there was hope because the third team in every group also stood a chance to qualify for the next round. A single win from any of the three games would have given India an outside chance to qualify for the pre-quarters.

The Colombia match was probably their best chance of securing a point but both USA and Ghana proved to be too strong. Looking back, India could have benefitted from an easier group. But then again, you can’t blame tough fixtures for your results.

#3 Physical inferiority

Yes, size does matter. The way India were outmuscled in all of their matches, especially by Ghana, it was a given that they would not be able to hold their own.

Even Luis Norton de Matos conceded that it was perhaps the only weakness of his team. “You cannot be a good gymnast if you are very tall or you cannot be an excellent basketball player if you are of 160 metres. For certain positions, height and size do matter,” he had said.

Of course, there is Diego Maradona, who despite his short stature ruled the world. There are Lionel Messi, Neymar and a few others but those happen to be exceptions. But what happens when the entire team is meagre and weak in comparison to the opposition? You get thrashed.

#2 Failure to convert chances

In three matches, the Indian team could manage to score only one goal. It was not because they were not creating chances but simply because they were failing to convert them.

Moreover, after the first game, Komal Thatal, India’s highest scorer in this age category, was dropped by the coach. It was a shocking decision as neither Aniket Jadhav nor Abhijit Sarkar managed to find the back of the net even once.

Of course, the Indian team was playing with a defensive mindset and not many chances were created. But the few opportunities that happened to come – especially, the good ones – were not put to bed. Against Colombia, as well as, against the USA, India created some particularly good goal scoring opportunities. But poor finishing let them down.

#1 Inexperience

The Indian team has some very talented players. What let them down was their inexperience of playing competitive football. The fact that the team needs more match practice is something that de Matos has stressed on constantly.

It was inexperience that cost them the game against Colombia. It was inexperience that led to the penalty through which the USA broke the deadlock in the opening game.

Being a part of a FIFA World Cup is a tough experience. Moreover, the heap of expectations from the home fans meant that India were under a different kind of pressure. The youngsters did their best to deal with this and gave a good account of themselves but still, it was not enough.

The young team would have definitely gained a lot from the campaign. Unfortunately, it came to a disappointing end but the future is indeed bright.