FIFA U-17 World Cup: India win hearts in 1-2 defeat to Colombia

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New Delhi: India's reputation as the 'sleeping giant' of football came to the fore on Monday when they gave Colombia a run for their money before losing 1-2 in their second Group A match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. (IND vs COL: As it happened...)

Jeakson Singh Thounaojam got his name into history books as the first footballer from India to score a goal in a FIFA World Cup. His header got India back on level terms in the 80th minute, but Colombia restored their lead in a flash in the 82nd through their hero of the match Juan Penaloza.

It was Penaloza's second goal of the match, after he put his team ahead in the 48th minute.

India are now bottom of the group with two defeats in two matches and all but out of the tournament. Four best third-placed teams will also make it to the Round of 16.

India started the match with last-game hero Komal Thatal surprisingly on the bench, but they were still at their offensive best whenever an opportunity came calling.

The first such opportunity presented itself to Abhijit Sarkar in the 17th minute but he failed to make anything of it.

Credit must also be given to Indian goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moiranthem whose saves in the 36th and 40th minute ensured India went into halftime holding the Colombians at 0-0.

In between those two saves by Dheeraj came another chance for India but the header off a corner went straight into the Colombian goalkeeper's lap.

Three minutes of injury-time was added to the first half, and it produced a heart-in-mouth moment for India when the woodwork denied the hosts for the second time in the tournament.

After Anwar Ali against USA, it was the turn of Rahul KP to hit the crossbar, bringing out oohs and aahs in the stands.

The second half saw all three goals - two from Penaloza and the historic India strike from Jeakson's foot.

But Penaloza's opening goal only led to seat-tapping from the school students in attendance and the Mexican wave from the 48,000-strong crowd to egg on the Indian team.

In the 58th minute, Rahim Ali almost breached the off-side trap but the flag went up as he put the ball in the back of the net for a crowded goal.

The 80th minute was when the historic moment arrived for India as Jeakson got India on a FIFA World Cup scoresheet for the first time.

But the moment took time to sink in for the 11 Indians on the field, as the home team's defence was found sleeping when the Colombians converged soon after re-start to find Penaloza celebrating his brace.