India show heart, restrict Russia in BRICS Cup opener

Panaji: India coach Nicolai Adam always insists, “we never lose; either we win, or we learn.”
India’s campaign in the BRICS Cup started on a losing, or a rather learning note, after the hosts succumbed to the might of Russia 0-1 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday.
Russia took the field on the back of three straight victories in their European qualifying campaign for next year’s Under-17 World Cup in India and were a notch above their rivals.The difference was clear, at least at the start, and when they took the lead after just three minutes through Lopatin Daniil, the writing was clear on the wall.
India struggled all through the first 45 minutes but what followed next warmed the hearts of those who had gathered to see them play. Of course, Russia being reduced to 10-men following the 51st minute red card to Umiarov Nail swung the initiative in India’s favour and the hosts had their tails up. They pressed hard, fought harder but had nothing to show for their efforts in the end, apart of course, learning another important lesson.
“India were a bit shy at the start and did not play their normal game. They were much better in the second half. Technically, they are really good,” said Russia coach Dmitry Ulyanov.
The Russian coach had confidently told the broadcaster during an unusual half-time interaction that he would like his team to score two or three more goals. Daniil’s close-range strike from a goalmouth melee in the third minute had given Russia the perfect start, but apart from few more chances that they created, and missed, there was nothing else to show.
Instead, it was India who called the shots. Boris Singh, who bettered Kolesnichenko Kirill – wanted by AC Milan – grew in confidence and tested the rival goalkeeper with a couple of shots from outside the box, Amarjit Singh had an attempt on goal as well and Komal Thatal’s on-the-run shot that missed the target by a whisker drew the loudest cheer.
Much of this was possible because the players supported each other in the second half, chasing every Russian player like a pack of wolves, pushing the visitors on the back foot and forcing them to defend in their own half.
India needs improvement of course. Sanjeev Stalin – who scored a wonderful opening goal against UAE in the AFC U-16 Championship – left a lot to be desired with dead-balls today. Both his free-kicks from promising positions were woefully wide but Nicolai saw the brighter side.
“Look how much he is growing with each game on the left flank,” said Nicolai, adding that he was impressed with the overall performance but disappointed with the result.
Surely, he was not alone.