Suman Chakravorty, New Delhi: A memorable goal, some stupendous, overwhelming football and more importantly a never-say-die attitude by the Indian colts marked the game on the pages of history as went down fighting against South American giant Colombia by a narrow 1-2 defeat.
India started the game superbly well and pushed the South Americans on the back foot. Some sublime skills, swift moves, solid defending and some terrific goalkeeping by Dheeraj – the India Colts did almost everything right in the first half – leaving the South Americans completely dumbfounded.
In the 16th minute, Abhijit Sarkar was denied by the cross bar after a breathtaking move by Rahim, Jeakson and Abhijit. The intent set the move of the first half.
Colombia had their first positive move in the 18th minute, but Dheeraj made a brilliant save to deny Stephen Vega. The combination between Jeakson and Amarjit dictated the authority in the first half in the midfield.
In the 37th minute, Dheeraj made another signature save to disappoint the mighty opposition. Dheeraj made one more great save in the 43rd minute to keep India in the hunt, Anwar Ali was the unsung hero as he played heroically in the defence.
In the added time of the first half, India made another outstanding move but Rahul’s thumping right-footer came off the post.
The Colombians made a strong start in the second half, as Juan Penaloza scored a stunning goal from the right in the 49th minute to stun the crowd.
The goal shook the confidence of the entire Indian team. India coach Matos brought in Aniket Yadav in the 65th minute to inject some fear factor on the upfront.
Aniket’s inclusion definitely sparked the Indian side as he built some cunning moves from the left. In the 76th minute India missed a sitter as Naorem found Aniket and he finally played a gorgeous ball to Rahim Ali but he faltered.
The historic moment came in the 81st minute when Jeakson scores the FIRST goal for India in the FIFA World Cup history. THE EQUALIZER came from a bullet header by the talented youngster who had an outstanding game.
Within a minute of that equalizing goal, Penaloza scored his second to put Colombia on the lead.
India might have lost the game, but the fight, positive attitude and more importantly the never say die attitude might mark this game on the pages of history of the true rise of Indian football.