Indian Colts’ journey towards upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup has been relentless and determined. A fabulous performance put in by the youngsters helped the national team to mercilessly defeat a strong Italian youth team at their home turf.
The AIFF has been setting up exposure trips for the kids in order to prepare them for the ultimate test which is slated to kick off later this year. A goal in either halves against the home side won the match for the visitors, thereby putting any doubts about this young team to rest.
Colts were ready for the whistle and attacked from the get-go. Komal Thatal went close in the 8th minute as India took control of the game.
The opener came in the 31st minute after a period of continuous pressure on the Italian defence. An attempted cross by Abhijit Sarkar took a goal bound deflection resulting in the opening goal for India.
Dance the night away! A historic feat as #India U17s defeat #Italy U17 2-0. A historic feat for all #Indians . #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/bfduCPOc49
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 19, 2017
The youngsters were not prepared to rest on their laurels as they kept searching for the safety cushion of a two goal lead even after the restart. The golden chance to extend lead came soon after restart in the 51st minute but Aniket failed to hit the net despite rounding the Italian custodian brilliantly in a one on one encounter.
India kept testing the goalkeeper and one such attempt by Aniket in the 75th minute was parried away by the goal keeper into the path of Rahul who miraculously failed to convert from close range.
In the 80th minute, Rahul made amends for his huge miss as he picked up the ball inside the box and dispatched it into the net to make the score line read 2-0.
The whistle blew soon after, confirming a terrific win for the Indian Colts over the Italians, one that will be written into the history books.