After impressing the nation with their debut performance in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, India will face Colombia in a crunch Group A tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday evening. Both the teams have lost their opening encounters in the competition - India went down to USA 3-0 while Colombia lost 1-0 against Ghana.
The Indian colts looked overawed by the occasion in the first half, but gave a good account of themselves after the breather. Komal Thatal did some trickery on the left wing, Ninthoinganba Meetei was quick on the right but they couldn't create many clear-cut chances. The team looked rejuvenated after the inclusion of Rahim Ali and Nongdamba Naorem, and it would be interesting to see whether any of them is given a spot in the starting XI. Luis Norton de Matos, the gaffer of the side, may also plan to make changes in the central midfield and central defence.
After serving his suspension, right-back Boris Thangjam will be available for suspension, with Rahul Kannoly likely to be making way for him. In case Rahim Ali is handed a starting role, India may line up in a 4-4-2 - an aberration from their usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
Colombia, on the other hand, will be eager to keep their hopes of making it to the knock-out stage alive, after being outclassed by Ghana in the opening encounter. Even though they failed to dominate the game, they showed some glimpses of their potential. Left-winger Leandro Campaz is likely to pose a stern test for Boris while the double pivot of Andres Perea and Etilso Martinez will try to negate the influence of Amarjit Singh and Suresh Wangjam in the midfield.
India will have their work cut out against the Latin American side, but the nation will once again fix its eyes on the television screen hoping for a miracle. The attendance in the capital for the first match was not very impressive and it remains to be seen whether it goes down further given the initial hullaballoo is over now.
Kickoff is at 8:00 PM IST and the match will be telecast on SONY TEN 2 & TEN 3 in India. It can also be live streamed on SONYLIV app and website.
Probable Colombia line-up:
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