Top five moments

Hindustan Times takes a look at the five best moments of what has been a memorable and record-breaking U-17 World Cup

Jeakson Thounaojam makes history

This tournament marked the debut of India in a FIFA tournament, meaning whoever scored India’s first goal would forever etch their name in history books. That honour went to Jeakson Thounaojam, who scored the equaliser against Colombia in India’s second group game. India still lost 1-2.

Rhian Brewster’s hattrick vs Brazil

He had already scored a hattrick against USA in the quarter-final, but his outing against Brazil in the semi-final was mindblowing. Against a partisan Kolkata crowd, Brewster showed his class again as he scored thrice to guide England into their maiden U-17 World Cup final.

Iran shock the world

Iran came a reinvigorated side, having lost the finals of the AFC U-16 Championships on penalties to Iraq. They were expected to make it to the knockouts but surpassed expectations by topping their group after shocking Germany 4-0. They made it to the quarter-finals for the first time, losing to eventual finalists Spain.

Phil Foden dominates the final

Rhian Brewster hogged attention for the right reasons before the final but England couldn’t have won it without Foden. Brewster did score the first goal but the person who truly inspired England in the second-half was Foden who put in a commanding midfield performance, scoring twice.

New Caledonia win hearts

Making their U-17 World Cup debut and losing 7-1 and 5-0 in the first two group games, everyone assumed they would crash to another heavy defeat to Japan. However, they managed to hold the Asian giants to a 1-1 draw and exit with their heads held high.