Crash to 0-5 defeat against Brazil; USA beat Morocco 4-0
BHUBANESWAR: India's first campaign at FIFA U17 Women's World Cup is over.
While they had already missed the bus to the quarterfinals with two defeats in their opening campaign, the crowd at Kalinga Stadium here on Monday as well as the fans following it on TV or online were eager to take home as a happy memory of the World Cup.
But it was just more disappointment in store for the Indians as Brazil set up their date with Germany in the knockouts with a 5-0 victory over the hosts that also ended the campaign for another debutants in Group A, Morocco.
Both teams started in a 4-2-3-1 formation and India looked more organised and confident than they had been in the previous two games. The change in mentality looked to transform into their performance with the hosts making an optimistic attack into the Brazil half in the seventh minute. But Anita Kumari's shot on goal was too weak to trouble Brazil custodian Leilane.
Soon after, the Brazilians began to make inroads into the Indian box with runs from the flanks as well as the middle.
While skipper Astam Oraon was incisive in her tackles and defensive runs, the continuous stream of attacks from the visitors forced coach Thomas Dennerby to bring Anita back in the right wing after 10 minutes had been played in the game to help the Indian skipper.
Silky Hemam was also brought back to strengthen the defence as Shailja moved up to join Babina Lisham in the middle.
But the tactical change could not stop the barrage of attacks from the Brazilians. After a run, Aline sent a cross to player-of-the match Gabi Berchon who made no mistake of hitting the target.
The second goal for Brazil came just before half-time, in the 41st minute. This time Aline was the scorer with the assist provided by Ana Flavia.
The third goal came just six minutes after the change of ends with Aline striking her second goal.
With the match nearing its completion, Brazil scored two quick goals by super-sub Lara that added to India's woes. The first of them came in the 86th minute and the second came in the added time.
In another match, United States proved too strong for Morocco as the favourites cruised to a 4-0 triumph to top group A at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday.
