Jeakson strike high point in loss to Colombia
NEW DELHI: India put on a far better performance than their previous outing against USA but their best wasn’t enough as a Juan Penaloza double gave Colombia a 2-1 win in Group A on Monday. The result means India will not make it to the knockout stages in their first ever World Cup appearance.
Jeakson Thounaojam etched his name in India’s football history by becoming the first from the country to score in a FIFA tournament, but the 80th minute equaliser was immediately followed by the winner from Penaloza. Colombia, who also came into the game needing victory after their loss to Ghana, started the game strongly, dominating possession and pushing India on the back foot.
They ended the first half having seen 68% of the ball, yet they had the same number of shots on target as India. Goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem had to be at his absolute best during the first half. His first major save came in the 17th minute, off an absolute belter from Yadir Meneses.
He was then called into action in the 36th minute, saving a close-range header from Leandro Campaz to again keep India in the game. His performance earned him a standing ovation from the New Delhi crowd after the game, a moment that is unlikely to be forgotten by him.
India, despite starting the game without star forwards Aniket Jadhav and Komal Thatal, had two good chances in the first half. The first came courtesy of Abhijit Sarkar, who saw his low shot aimed at the bottom right corner saved by Colombian goalkeeper Kevin Mier.
But arguably the best chance of the half fell to midfielder Rahul Kannoly during injury time. He unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the box that had Mier beaten but agonisingly hit the post.
These missed chances saw India start the second half with determination but Colombia took the lead courtesy a leftfooted curler from Juan Penaloza. Now chasing the game, India played with renewed vigour. Coach Luis Norton de Matos brought on Jadhav who immediately caused Colombia problems on the left wing.
INDIA’S EQUALISER
India were finally rewarded in the 80th minute when Thounaojam scored. Jeakson sent a powerful header home following a cross from Sanjeev Stalin after a short corner. And when the ball hit the back of the net, the crowd was ecstatic.
But any dreams India had of going into the final Group A game against Ghana with at least a point were ended almost immediately when Penaloza ran onto Gustavo Carvajal’s through to slot home the winning goal.