Their debut encounter against USA gave FIFA U-17 World Cup hosts India the taste of a seriously competitive match. Initially nervous, watchful and defensive, the Indian team took time to find their footing. However, their upcoming match on Monday night against Colombia will be tougher than their previous game. The south Americans are in a different league altogether.
For both Colombia and India, a victory is essential for advancement to the next round. Colombia's 0-1 loss to Ghana in their opening match hurt them a lot.
For the Indian underdogs, this tournament will herald their arrival in the global football arena. Scoring their first goal in a World Cup is their main aim. While they came close to doing so in their first match, the stakes have been shored up—not only do they have to score, they will also have to aim for a draw or a miracle win. Both India and Colombia are presently level on points, but the south Americans are ahead while taking into account the goal difference.
There is an enormous gap between the two teams. Even though Colombia lost to Ghana, they are still several rungs above the Indian team. The Americans did not play a very physical game, but the Colombians are not likely to be so sparing. The Indian team has sparred with Colombia before—in a four-nation tournament just before the World Cup, a game which they lost 3-0. However, that was just a friendly fixture.
The hosts are likely to have cooked up a different strategy. Head coach Luis Norton del Matos might shed his ultra-cautious approach and go for a different formation from the 4-2-3-1 he opted for against the United States.
The hosts will also be bolstered by the return of right-back Boris Thangjam, who has completed his period of suspension. He is likely to replace Rahul Kannoly. There could be a few more changes in India's starting lineup. The team looked more perky in the second half against the USA after Matos sent in Rahim Ali and Nongdamba Naorem.
Colombia did not dominate Ghana in their previous match but were calm on the field, with a superior ball possession percentage of 56. While India showed inexperience, lacking in creating chances as well as finishing opportunities, Colombia are not likely to be bothered on these counts.
Kick-off: 8.00pm IST on Monday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
