The US’s U-17 women’s team starts off their world cup campaign with an emphatic 8-0 win against India in the inaugural match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. A quite convincing and overwhelming performance by the US U-17 side, all-around dominating soccer humbled India.
Match Highlights:
- Natalia Astrain’s American side opted for an attacking combination of 4-1-2-3 and started their offensive play from the first minute.
- Match’s first goal came from striker Melina Rebimbas in the 9th minute of the game, with the help of a cross from Riley Jackson.
- Consecutive goals were scored in the 15th, 23rd, 31st, and 39th minutes by Charlotte Kholer, Onyeka Gamero, Melina Rebimbas, and Gisele Thompson, respectively.
- By the end of the first half, the USA score was already 5-0 up over India.
- India did try some substitutions in their defense in the second leg of the match, but it didn’t affect the course of the game as the US managed to score 3 more goals in the second half.
- The first goal of the second half came from US defender, Ella Emri, in the 51st minute, followed by the 59th-minute penalty goal from Taylor Suarez, who had been fouled by India’s number 20, Kajal.
- Substitute Mia Bhuta, scored the final goal for the American side just 3 minutes after the penalty shot in the 62nd.
- The US’s sheer dominating soccer outperformed the Indian side, and they finished the game with a score of 8-0. Melina Rebimbas was the highest scorer of the match with 2 goals.
The Indian side opted for a 4-2-3-1 combination as the management was aware of the US’s aggressive approach to structuring the game, and scoring goals. Head coach, Thomas Dennery’s side was hoping to create chances on counter-attacks but failed to match the continuous attacks and pressure built by the forward line of the States’ team.
The Indian side displayed an unexpected and poor performance against the US. Lack of commitment, weak coordination, and unnecessary fouls not just cost India a defeat, but a humiliating one of 8-0. On the contrary, the US played dominating soccer to their expectations.
| MATCH STATS | ||
| INDIA | USA | |
| 0 | Shots on Target | 14 |
| 21% | Possession | 79% |
| 176 | Passes | 641 |
| 38% | Pass Accuracy | 88% |
| 2 | Fouls | 1 |
| 1 | Corners | 11 |
India’s way ahead in the World Cup
India will be up against Morocco, the African Champions, in their next fixture on October 14th, and the footballing giant, Brazil, on October 17th.
It is a difficult group to be in for the host nation, but fans would expect a better display of skills from The Women in Blue in their remaining group matches.
