India ended their FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup campaign with an all-loss record and without scoring a goal as they suffered a 0-5 defeat to formidable Brazil in their last group match here on Monday. They finished last in the four-team group without any point while conceding 16 goals in the three matches.
India 0-5 Brazil
Out of contention for the knockouts, hosts India were thrashed 0-5 vs Brazil in their final FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group A fixture, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, on Monday.
After losing 8-0 to the USA, India put up a much better performance with a 0-3 defeat to Morocco in their second match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. In the final group game against Brazil, India had chances that were few and far between. The girl from South America dominated the game as India posed little threat. A brace from Lara and Aline and a goal from Berchon was enough as the South Americans thumped their Indian counterparts.
Gebi Berchon had given the South American champions a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. Aline (40th and 51st minute), who was a constant threat to the Indian defence with her pace and guile. In the second half, Aline scored a screamer in the 51st minute, followed by two long rangers from Lara Dantas dos Santos in the 86th minute and stoppage time.
The head coach said, “When we have the ball, we need to feel relaxed and start playing. We need to be confident and play a little bit more. Now, we have nothing to lose. I hope the girls start playing freely.”
India’s senior national women’s team had played against Brazil last November and lost 1-6. The coach feels there are similarities in playing style between Brazil’s seniors and juniors. Shilky Devi Hemam, who is currently in the Indian team at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, was used as a substitute in the senior team’s match against Brazil.
