New Delhi: India’s debut at a FIFA competition ended in a 3-0 loss after the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosts fell to USA in their Group A opener in New Delhi on Friday evening.
A passionate crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium roared the home side on throughout the duration of this historic match for Indian football. However, it was John Hackworth’s Stars and Stripes that showed their qualities in getting their tournament account off to a winning start.
USA’s first goal came from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark. Josh Sargent picked up where he left off at the U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic earlier this year by converting the spot-kick after the American captain was fouled in the box by Jitendra Singh.
The Stars and Stripes doubled their lead shortly after the break when Chris Durkin struck home a USA corner that deflected past India goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem.
The Americans wrapped up a convincing victory on 84 minutes through Andrew Carleton moments after India struck the crossbar with their best chance of the match.
Results
Group A
Colombia 0-1 Ghana
India 0-3 USA
Group B
New Zealand 1-1 Turkey
Paraguay 3-2 Mali
Source: FIFA.com
Source: the-afc.com