NEW DELHI: That much-hyped first step is done. That history-making epoch has passed. One small step for India's U-17 team, one giant leap for Indian football, all that is over now. The record books show that India have played a football World Cup match. Now what?
Now comes Colombia. And maybe the slightest hint of progress? Is that too much to ask? One less goal conceded than against USA or even one scored?
Both the All India Football Federation and coach Luis Norton de Matos are planning for a lot more than that. A press note issued by the Federation talks about how a win would help them 'stay in contention for qualification for the next stage'. De Matos himself is not too keen on playing the expectations game. "The eventual target is to secure progression to the next stage whilst taking one game at a time," he said.
On paper, Colombia is India's easiest chance of a going home with the best result of the tournament, whatever that might be. The South Americans were bullied into submission by a Ghanain team, who were themselves not having their best day. They looked spent even before the first half had ended, unable to deal with the 37 degree heat in which the match had kicked off. There was a moment in the opening half an hour where a Ghanian player lay injured and the entire Colombian team rushed to the touchline for a water break. Maybe India would have been better playing the first game of the day. All those catchphrases about them being 'the hardest working team' might have come in handy.
For India, the key would be forgetting the USA game. For now, at least. As far as they are from world standards and as lethargic as their opponents were on the day, the USA game is not a true reflection of where India stand. The Americans' results from the fag end of 2016 include a 4-0 win over Brazil and a 7-1 thrashing of Portugal. Colombia of course have a more modest record, losing four and drawing four of the 13 matches they have played in 2017. One of their five wins was 3-0 over India in Mexico.
"Every match is a new match as every day is a new day and playing in a FIFA World Cup is a different challenge for both teams as compared to a friendly match," De Matos said. "It will be a different setting altogether with different tactics and technicalities. Colombia are tough opponents and they possess the necessary elements to hurt us. We have to be on our toes throughout and focus on the task at hand. They will also give us a tough physical fight but we are ready for it."
Maybe, in home conditions and with a raucous crowd behind them, India can do slightly better. But they will have to ensure the opening day disappointment doesn't affect their spirits. For a team that will be well behind on skill and physicality, spirit will be everything.