[WATCH] Vinicius Jr in action against Indian Football Team (U17)- Major throwback

Vinicius Jr is part of Real Madrid’s treble-winning squad

Little did many know that one of the best wingers in modern football today, Vinicius Jr, came to India nine years ago and also played and scored against the Indian U-17 football team. The same Real Madrid star once walked the same pitch as our Indian youngsters in the hallowed grounds of Goa.

As part of the build-up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, AIFF decided to give international exposure to its youth teams when they went toe-to-toe against the youth teams of the best footballing nations in the world.

In this article, we shall try to unfurl the tapestries of yesteryear and take you back in time to revisit that moment. From those who dared to score a goal against the mighty Brazil team to Indian youngsters who rubbed shoulders against the world’s best, we try to turn the clock back.

Also Read: [WATCH] Erling Haaland in action against Indian football team (U17) – Major throwback

When did Vinicius Jr play against India U-17?

A year before the commencement of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, India also hosted the BRICS U-17 Football Cup in 2016. The coveted silverware was unveiled by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, alongside the then AIFF President Prafull Patel in New Delhi.

Five U-17 teams from the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa took part in this competition during the 8th BRICS summit, which took place in Goa. This tournament also served as a geopolitical and diplomatic tool to promote peace and harmony among BRICS nations.

After the India U-17 team suffered defeats against the China, South Africa and Russia teams, they were set to play the Brazil U-17 football team in their final game. The match took place on 13th October 2016 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa.

Brenner, who currently plays for Serie A side Udinese, scored the opening goal for Brazil in the 2nd minute. India’s young prodigy Komal Thatal equalised the score 1-1 in the 19th minute. The Brazilians regained their lead back in the 30th minute after Santos scored.

Vinicius Jr scored the third goal for Brazil in the 82nd minute to win the game 3-1. Vini also emerged as the top goalscorer in this tournament with 4 goals and helped the young Brazilian side win the BRICS Football Cup in 2016 after defeating South Africa in the finals.

Tale of two stark trajectories

The Indian U17 side had young talents like Komal Thatal, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Boris Singh, Suresh Wangjam and many others. Many of these young Indians went on to represent the nation at the U17 FIFA World Cup.

However, the shocking reality is that while some of the players from that young Indian squad made it to the senior national team, many failed to stand up to the expectations. The young Indian players have so far competed only in the Indian top flight – the Indian Super League at their best.

On the other hand, Vinicius Jr;s growth has been phenomenal. After honing his skills at Flamengo’s youth academy, he chose to fly abroad to Europe to compete among the best. Real Madrid’s reserves team identified his talent, and after signing a contract with the Los Blancos, Vini never looked back.

Today, Vinicius Jr is regarded as one of the greatest football players in world football. From winning the treble with Real Madrid to leading the attacking prowess for the Brazil national football team, Vini’s journey has been nothing less than an inspiration for players hailing from the Global South.

Lineups for the Brazil U17 vs India U17 match

Brazil U17 Starting XI

Leonardo Sulzbach (22), Miranda (3), Matheus Stockl (4), Wesley Gasolina (2), Weverson (6), Bobsin (5), Vitinho (8), Marcos Antônio (18), Vinicius Júnior (11), Léo Chú (7), Brenner (20)

India U-17 Starting XI

Mohammad Nawaz (21), Mohamad Rakip (12), Jitendra Singh (3), Sanjeev Stalin (5), Boris Singh Thangjam (2), Suresh Singh Wangjam (6), Amarjit Singh Kiyam (8), Lalengmawia (13), Aniket Anil Jadhav (11), Komal Thatal (10), Aman Chetri (9)

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