India U-16 go down to Russia in semis

India U-16 go down to Russia in semis
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 22
India U-16 boys went down narrowly 2-3 to Russia in the semi-finals of Coca Cola International U-16 Football Tournament in Pretoria.
India took an early lead in the first half through Jitender Singh, which was equalized by the Russians.
Anto put India once again ahead in the second half but, Russia once again managed to hold their nerves and scored the equalizer to make it 2-2 at the end of the regulation time. The Russians scored in the extra time to make it to the finals.
India played extremely well, disclosed coach Francisco Bruto Da Costa, who, after quitting Salgaocar, has joined the AIFF as the assistant coach of India Under-19 under Collin Toal.
“It was a team performance, with the boys including the lone Goan defender Constancio Rodrigues jelling well and putting up a superb coordinated effort,” stated Francisco who pointed out that India had played in all four matches.
India drew with Guatemala 1-1 and then after being two goals down rallied to hold the eventual winners Mexico 2-2 who beast the Russians 2-1 in the finals. Pitted against Egypt, India scored a resounding 13-1 victory, Francisco elaborated.
India topped Group A on superior goal difference while Mexico were runners-up.
“It was pretty cold in Pretoria, yet the boys adjusted well, with Constancio being fielded against Egypt and Mexico. Even against Russia in the semi-finals, it was a superb spirited display with India going into the lead, not once but twice, Francisco said.