By James K. Attaglo Wilson
The bragging right of the United State of America at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup fell apart on Thursday as Colombia humbled them 3-1 at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India.
Colombia’s tie breaking victory was recorded through Juan Vidal, Juan Penaloza, and Deiber Caicedo goals.
The odds favoured the Stars and Stripes [USA] going into the game having won their first two matches against India [3-0] and Ghana [1-0], but Colombians proved that they are not pushovers as they scratch the back of the net as early as the 3rd minute through Juan Vidal.
George Acosta restored parity for coach John Hackworth’s side in the 24th minute. Andre Carleton sprinted his way into the danger zone, held on and neatly served the ball on the plate of George Acosta to score.
Knowing very well that a draw may not be good enough to fulfill their dream of qualifying into the Round of 16 stage, the Colombians piled lots of pressure on the Stars and Stripes from the break as Thomas Gutierrez forced a save from goalkeeper Justin Garces in the 60th minute.
The United State fell behind for the second time in the game in the 67th minute as Juan Penaloza’s perfectly taken free kick went straight into the net.
The resounding victory saw Colombia leapfrogging to the second position on the Group A table at the expense of the United State who are likely to book a place in the last 16 as one of the best third placed teams.
Below are the squad sheets;
USA: Garces, Lindsey, Gloster, Sands, Durkin, Akinola, Sargent, Acosta, Carleton, Dest, Goslin.
Colombia: Kevin Mier, Andres Cifuentes, G. Tege, Thomas Gutierrez, Andres Perea, Leandro Campaz, Brayan Gomez, Juan Penaloza, Deibo Caicedo, J. Vidal, Etilso Martinez.
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