PTI
NEW DELHI
Indian colts were handed a 4-0 drubbing by a strong Atletico Paranaense side of Brazil in the first semi-final of the U-17 International Football Tournament in the South American nation.
India started on a positive note and they kept the lethal Atletico Paranaense attackers at bay. In the 15th minute, Atletico Paranaense almost found the back of the net but Md. Nawaz’s acrobatic save thwarted their effort to keep the scoreline unchanged. Four minutes later, India earned a free-kick at the top of the opponent box but Amarjit’s shot was cleared by the opposition defender without much fuss resulting in a corner, which was grabbed by the goalkeeper eventually.
Towards the end of the first half, the home team drew the first blood from a corner. After the changeover, the home team was awarded a penalty kick and the striker did convert it with much composure to double their lead.
Coach Nicolai Adam tried to instil more speed and purpose in the midfield by introducing the fresher pair of legs of Saurabh and Abhijit, having withdrawn Lalengmawia and Aniket respectively. In the last 10 minutes, the Brazilian boys suddenly changed gears and took the match by the scruff of the neck. They netted successive goals to overwhelm their Indian counterparts.
The Indian boys are now slated to take on Orlando City SC in the third place decider on Saturday.
