Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
New Delhi: India's U-16 side, which will form the nucleus of the country's team for next year's FIFA U-17 World Cup, lost 2-0 to their Norwegian counterparts in a friendly on Wednesday.
India started brightly with Aniket Anil Jadhav dribbling past his marker and releasing a decent cross that flashed in front of the Norway goalkeeper on 16 minutes.
Nicolai Adam's side had another chance just nine minutes later but Komal Thatal's strike faiiled to beat the Norwegian custodian.
Sanjeev Stalin's rash 54th minute tackle then earned him a second yellow card and reduced the Indian Colts to ten men. Norway duly took advantage of the dismissal and scored the game's opening goal three minutes later courtesy of Erling Braut Haland. Erik Botheim doubled their lead in the 80th minute.
India will host the 24-team FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 with the four Asian representatives to be determined by the AFC U-16 Championship 2016 which will also be held in India from September 15 to October 2.
India are in Group A with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for company. India's campaign opener will take place on September 15 against the Emiratis.
Photo: All India Football Federation