(MENAFN- Gulf Times) India's debut at a FIFA competition ended in a 3-0 loss after the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosts fell to USA in their Group A opener in New Delhi yesterday. A passionate crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium roared the home side on throughout the duration of this historic match for Indian football. However, it was John Hackworth's Stars and Stripes that showed their qualities in getting their tournament account off to a winning start.
USA's match winner came from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark. Josh Sargent picked up where he left off at the U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic earlier this year by converting the spot-kick after the American captain was fouled in the box by Jitendra Singh. The Stars and Stripes doubled their lead shortly after the break when Chris Durkin struck home a USA corner that deflected past India goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem. The Americans wrapped up a convincing victory on 84 minutes through Andrew Carleton moments after India struck the crossbar with their best chance of the match. India face Colombia, while USA take on Ghana in next group games. Sadiq Ibrahim scored the winner as Ghana beat Colombia 1-0 yesterday.
Paraguay were on the winning end of a scintillating match against Mali in Group B, with Alan Rodriguez converting the winning penalty in the second half for a 3-2 victory. New Zealand and Turkey opened their campaigns with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group B on a steamy evening in Navi Mumbai.
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