Indian football can now only move forward. The incredible performance by the team in the two matches they featured in even though they ended on the losing side in the ongoing U-17 World Cup proves it. It is pertinent to note that India made a debut in the World Cup as a result of being the host nation. The country ranks 107 in the FIFA world ranking but the performance of the present U-17 football team has given the country a lot to cheer about. This is a team of the future. There are some very bright prospects who will make a name for themselves in the football world. In the match against Colombia, the Indian boys played their hearts out. India's Jeakson created history when he became the first Indian to score in a World Cup. Though India has lost the first two games, what was impressive was that the players were not intimated by their well-built and more experienced opponents. Deeraj under the bar was a treat to watch as he saved the Indian citadel on several occasions. He happens to be the most experienced player in the team having represented the country on 43 occasions. Rahul and Abhijit Sarkar upfront made several forays into the Colombian defense. The captain Amarjeet Singh was a power of strength in the mid-field. The performance of Boris on the wings was laudable. India missed the presence of Komal Thalat in the match against Colombia. Komal is considered the rising star of Indian football. All credit goes to the team coach Luis Norton de Matos who has been able to instill a fighting spirit in the players and bring out the best from the team.
