FIFA Under-17 World Cup: India can still advance to second stage, here is how

India suffered a heartbreaking loss against Colombia on Monday in their second game of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The hosts, participating in a FIFA tournament for the first time, played with a lot of heart and were a little unlucky to lose the match. Indian colts had lost thier opening game against USA 3-0.    

However, there is still a mathematical chance that Team India can make it to the second stage. For this to happen the hosts not only need to win their final group match with a huge margin but also hope that USA score a big win against Colombia. 

After two rounds of matches, USA leads Group A with 6 points and a goal difference of +4 while Colombia and Ghana have three points. They are equal on goal difference (0) and Colombia sits at second place thanks to more number of goals scored. India are the bottom with no points and a -4 goal difference. 

To qualify for the next stage India need to score a victory by at least 4 goals in their final games. if they manage to score a 4-0 victory they will advance on the basis of mumber of goals scored. They also need Colombia to lose their encounter agaisnt USA. 

Given India have managed just one goal in the tournament so far and no clean sheets it will be tough call for the blue brigade. However, Indian fans will be hoping for a miracle from the boys.  

Even if India do not manage to beat Ghana by the required margin they will have another chance to go ahead as one of the lucky third placed teams.

This is how Group A stands after India U17s hard-fought defeat against Colombia. #BackTheBlue #FIFAU17WC pic.twitter.com/n0r0wuw4O5

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 9, 2017