Russia, who used their superior height to their advantage, used the long ball to unnerve the Indian defence and succeeded in taking an early lead in the 4th minute through Lopatin Daniil.
India failed to capitalise on the numerical superiority in the second half as they lost 0-1 to 10-man Russia in their opening match of the BRICS U-17 football tournament at GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday. The all-important goal for Russia was scored by Lopatin Daniil in the 4th minute.
The Indians made an all out attempt in search of the equaliser but the rival defence and keeper did well to deny the hosts the equaliser. Russia, who used their superior height to their advantage, used the long ball to unnerve the Indian defence and succeeded in taking an early lead in the 4th minute through Lopatin Daniil.
The early goal gave them the advantage as they had better ball possession in first half. The Indians did put pressure on the visitors occasionally but could not breach the rival defence who thwarted their moves.
Russia were reduced to ten men four minutes after resumption after Unimov Nail received a red card from referee for a dangerous foul on substitute Aniket and the home team built up pressure and tried to make inroads.
But their moves were foiled by the Russian defence, with substitute Aman Chetri coming close to scoring midway in the second half when his left footer missed the target narrowly.
The home team enjoyed better ball possession in the second half, made desperate attempt to find the equaliser in the closing stage bur the Russian defence did well to keep their slate clean.
Brazil beat China 2-0
Brazil scored once in each half to beat China 2-0 in the inaugural match of the first BRICS U-17 football tournament. Brazil dominated the match with quick passes and scored through Victor Gabriel M de Oliveira (2nd minute) and Vitor Eduardo da Silva Matos (65th).
They could have won by a bigger margin had Vinicius J P de Oliveira Junior and Paulo Henrique Sampaio Filho not wasted at least a couple of chances each. Paulo Henrique Sampaio worked his way on the right and sent a perfect cross into the rival box for Victor Gabriel M de Olivera to tap the ball into the net from close in the second minute.
There was a one way traffic after the early goal as the Brazilians kept the rival defence on their toes with repeated forays. Vinicius J P de Oliveira Junior wasted clear chances as he either shot out or shot straight into the keeper's hands. Once he was unlucky as his shot hit the post.
China, who were defending their citadel most of the time, had a clear chance to find the equaliser soon after the break but Zhang Hui shot straight into the hands of the keeper Gabriel N R Brazao. After this close shave, Brazil made couple of attacking moves and increased the lead in the 65th minute.
A long cross from the left saw Paulo Henrique Sampaio Filho head the ball towards the goal for Vitor Eduardo da Silva Matos to nod it into the far corner of the net. Earlier, Sports Minister Vijay Goel inaugurated the tournament. He termed the tournament an endeavour and synergy for unity of the BRICS nations.
"Football will play a crucial role in bringing the BRICS countries together. Goa is the best place for the tournament as it shows a close connection in the heart of people," he said.
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