Ratings: Sublime USA thrash clueless India

The team conceded five goals in the first half.

The India U-17 women’s team made their debut at the World Cup against USA in what will surely go down as a historic day in the history of India and its football. Despite noteworthy efforts from the girls, they were at the receiving end of a heavy 0-8 defeat in the hands of USA.

Natalia Astrain’s side were so good with both their on and off the ball movements that Thomas Dennerby’s side couldn’t do much about it. It was a tale of corner kicks for the USA as they were on the peak of their powers and did not let go of a single opportunity to take a toll on India.

The United States of America showed no mercy whatsoever as they recorded the biggest win in the history of the tournament. Thomas Dennerby and co have a lot of work to do behind the scenes and will surely want to forget this night.

Let’s straightway dive into how the Indian Players performed in the clash.

Anjali Munda - 5.0

The goalkeeper couldn’t manage to keep a clean sheet despite multiple good saves. She had a tough day at office as the USA brought their A-game to the table and as resulted conceded eight goals. Definitely, she could have done better on a few occasions.

Shubhangi Singh - 6.0

Shubhangi operated as right-back and displayed a decent performance. She made numerous blocks and even came high up the pitch to open up spaces and play key passes.

Kajal - 6.0

She put in a couple of last ditch tackles, but couldn’t neutralize the threat from the American frontline. Kajal was frequently called into action and she did well on a few occasions.

Purnima Kumari - 5.0

It was her mistake that cost India a goal. Purnima wasn’t up to the mark and was eventually taken off at half-time.

Astam Oraon - 5.0

The skipper looked helpless as the away side demolished India. Astam wasn’t up to the required standard and couldn’t keep up with the USA’s attack from the left flank.

Shilky Hemam - 5.0

She made crucial blocks and interceptions in the middle of the park. Shilky put up an underwhelming performance for India in the midfield and therefore was taken off at the break.

Also Read: Match Report: Ruthless USA put eight pass hapless India in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Kajol Dsouza - 6.0

Kajol played the role of a deep lying midfielder. She combined really well for a couple of moves with skipper Astam. She cleared the ball quite a few times until she was there on the pitch.

Neha - 6.5

Neha made a few crucial interceptions and looked dangerous every time she had the ball. She combined really well with Lynda on multiple occasions, but couldn’t put out an end product. She ran tirelessly on both ends of the pitch as a workhorse.

Anita Kumari - 5.5

Anita gave up the ball really cheaply at times, including an occasion where India were in a good position to execute a fruitful attacking move. Other than that, she ran her socks off to help her teammates defend.

Nitu Linda - 6.5

Nitu executed a few key passes really well and was involved in the thick of things every now and then. She had a tough day dealing with the American side in the middle of the park.

Lynda Kom Serto - 7.0

She looked really confident with her moves and gave the USA defenders a really tough time. Lynda was really good with her first touches and with the ball movements. She was probably the best player for India on the pitch.

Substitutes

Naketa - 6.5

She came on for Purnima Kumari at half-time and straightaway was called into action with a crucial interception. Naketa kept a check on the USA wingers on most occasions and denied them any space and chance.

Babina Devi Lisham - 6.5

She came on at half-time for Shilky Hemam and partnered with Kajol in the middle of the park. Babina won the ball quite a few times, but India couldn’t capitalize on any of the moves. 

Sudha Ankita Tirkey - 6.0

Sudha dropped deep to help her teammates while defending and even caused some trouble to the USA defenders when she had the ball in their half.

Shaija - 5.5

She replaced Lynda in the 63rd minute. Shaija made a couple of important clearances for India when the USA were on the prowl. She also won the ball in the middle of the park, but soon gave it away with a poor first touch.