Bhubaneswar: India U-17 Women’s National team lost to USA in the opening match FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The Blue Tigress lost 0-8 at to the mighty USA at the Kalinga Stadium.
As the match started, USA made into the Indian defense in the first few minutes. USA mounted the pressure on India, building frequent attacking combinations. They managed to break the deadlock as early as the ninth minute, when captain Riley Jackson delivered a cross from the right-hand side. It was finished by striker Melina Angelica Rebimbas.
Charlotte Ruth Kohler scored a free header in the 15th minute for USA’s second goal from a corner kick, while Onyeka Paloma Gamero scored the third goal for the visitors following an error in the Indian backline.
Rebimbas, scored her second goal in the 31st through a top-class finish on the half-volley, giving no chance to the Indian goalkeeper. The fifth goal came soon in the 39th when Gisele Thompson scored past Munda’s near post.
The USA continued to dominate as the second half got underway in a similar manner. Ella Emri scored the sixth goal in the 51st minute, once more from a corner kick. Taylor Marie Suarez scored from the penalty spot eight minutes later to increase USA’s lead to 7-0.
In the 62nd minute, Mia Elizabeth Bhuta scored with a strong long-range shot to make it eight. Indian goalkeeper Munda produced some outstanding stops later in the game to hold the score to eight.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik shook hands with players of both the teams. The occasion of vibrant fireworks were attended by Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Ministers for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur & Shri Nisith Pramanik, FIFA Secretary General Ms Fatma Samoura, AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey, and Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran were also some of the dignitaries present.
India to face debutant Morocco on October 14, 2022 at the same venue at 8 PM IST.
