India ended their FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup campaign with a losing record as they suffered a 0-5 loss to Brazil in their last group match here on Monday without scoring a goal.
Debutants India, who had qualified for the age-group showpiece by virtue of being the hosts, lost to USA (0-8) and Morocco (0-3) in their first Group A matches.
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They finished last in the group of four without any points, losing 16 goals in three matches.
Brazil and the USA, who beat Morocco 4-0 in the second Group A match together in Margao, qualified for the quarter-finals, with seven points each – two wins and a draw. Brazil and USA played a 1-1 draw on 14 October.
Aligne (40th and 51st minutes), who was a constant threat to the Indian defense with her pace and deceit, as well as substitute Lara (86th and 90+3) scored a goal each when Gaby Berchonne took the South American champions 1 – Leading in the 11th minute.
FULL TIME! Our #U17WWC campaign draws to a close with a defeat against Brazil.
FT Score: ?? 5-0 ??#BRAIND ⚔️ #BackTheBlue ? #ShePower ? #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/MuqQ7WfxbC
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 17, 2022
Brazil had tremendous possession and had a dozen more shots on target than the host nation’s one. With nothing to lose and only pride to play for, the Indians put their best foot forward and to their credit, it was not a completely one-sided match – as against the USA – as feared.
The Indians chased the ball heavily and tried to stay organized and in shape against their physically and technically far superior opponents. However, the Indians could not make enough passes to make a proper move towards the opposition’s defensive third, exposing their technical weaknesses.
The Indian defense did well to deflect the relentless onslaught of the Brazilians, who had six shots on target against India in the first session. The South American champions had 70 per cent possession in the first half.
After her effort a few inches from the target in the ninth minute, Berchon made amends as she made a clinical finish, adding a fine cross from the right by Ana Flavia, who overtook India captain and left wing Astam Oraon.
India striker Neha had a chance in the 30th minute when she was left with only a goalkeeper after a defensive mistake by the Brazilians. But his shot was weak and it didn’t bother goalkeeper Leelen much.
India goalkeeper Keesham Melody was called into action in the 33rd minute when he saved a shot from Ellis.
The Brazilian’s relentless attack bore fruit in the 40th minute when Aline beat a diving melody for the second goal, when Ana Flavia brilliantly sent a low cross from the right.
The second half was no different as the Indians sat back to defend their defence, while the Brazilians kept attacking attack after attack.
Brazil resolved the issue by scoring two goals from long range in the second half. First, Aline curled a powerful right foot into the top left corner of Melody’s goal in the 51st minute, leaving the Indian goalkeeper no chance.
Just four minutes before the end of regulation time, Lara fired another shot from outside the box to defeat Melody – what was otherwise a fine outing with some fine saves – all ending for the fourth goal of the match.
Lara completed his brace in the third minute of extra time.
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