By Ajay Majumder
GOA: India began their BRICS U-17 Football Cup campaign with a narrow defeat as they went down fighting 0-1 to Russia at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Wednesday.
Spartak Moscow forward Lopatin Daniil scored the all important goal which ultimately turned out to be the match winner and helped Russia to start the tournament with a win.
Russia began the game in attacking mode and took a early lead in the 3rd minute as a scuffle inside the Indian penalty box allowed Daniil to slot the opener home.
Having conceded early on, India began attacking with intensity through Amarjit Singh, Suresh Singh and Sanjeev Stalin but the Russians were solid in defense as the first half ended 1-0.
Changing over, Russia were down to 10 men as early as the 5th minute in the session when Umiarov Nail was sent off for a rough challenge on Amarjit.
India, thereafter, making full use of their one-man advantage attacked the rival goal by pushing high up. Russia, on the other hand, defended deep and failed to produce a single shot at the Indian goal in the second session.
Towards the end, India created a couple of close chances thorugh Komal Thatal and Aman Chhetri but the lack of finishing let the Nicolai Adam-coached side down.
India will take on South Africa next on 7th October at 4.00 pm while Russia face China later on the same day.