'It was a nice experience and I felt on cloud nine when I scored the goal'

A bright India provided hope for a brighter future but their dream ended in a heartbreak following a 1-2 defeat to Colombia in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Ghana and the United States would look to seal a knockout berth when they face-off in their second group match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in New Delhi, on Monday.

India coach Luis Norton de Matos on Sunday said they are ready for a physically and technically superior Colombia and will 'fight till the last minute' in their Group A match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in New Delhi, on Monday.

Midfield lynchpin Suresh Singh feels India would need to improve their final pass, but an improvement in department would not be enough against Colombia's all-round superiority.

India U-17 side midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam, on Saturday, said they were 'not nervous but excited' just before entering the field for the country's maiden outing in a FIFA World Cup.

Goalkeeper Moirangthem Dheeraj Singh was one of the top performers in India's 0-3 thrashing by the United States but he was a disappointed man following the loss in the campaign opener of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in New Delhi.

Ghana outclassed Colombia 1-0, while New Zealand held Turkey to a 1-1 draw in the opening matches of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup on Friday.

Hosts India struggled on their debut as they were outclassed 3-0 by United States in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group A match in New Delhi on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday graced Indian football's historic moment when he greeted players of both the teams ahead of India's opening FIFA U-17 World Cup match against USA, in New Delhi.

Summary of the South American World Cup qualifiers played on Thursday

Summary of the South American World Cup qualifiers played on Thursday

Rank-outsiders India may have a 'small percentage' of winning their tournament opener in the FIFA U-17 World Cup against what he expects to be an attacking USA team, coach Luis Norton de Matos said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a part of the FIFA U-17 World Cup's opening day proceedings, which will include a small ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday.

Two-time champions Ghana are seeking to revive their fortunes in the tournament, having last won it way back in 1995, when they stunned a Brazilian outfit that had the likes of Julio Cesar in its ranks.

Unheralded New Zealand will have a tough job at hand when take on Turkey in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Group B opening match at the D Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.

The 2004 Olympic silver-medallist further believes that the prestigious quadrennial event would also prove to be beneficial for India as far as the country's aim to improve significance of sports is concerned.

India, who are also pooled along with the dangerous Ghana and Colombia in Group A, will look to start on a winning note.

I M Vijayan is amazed at Indian football's leap from amateurism to professionalism.

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Full Schedule, Venue Details, Time Table

It would be unfair to expect India to bedazzle crowds with eye-catching football. This team is built around stability, writes Dhruv Munjal

India's FIFA U-17 World Cup team coach Luis Norton de Matos on Saturday refused to predict his side's chances in the upcoming tournament, saying that instead of thinking about the results the country should take it as "a first step for the future".

India may be the underdogs in the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup but midfield-lynchpin Suresh Singh Wangjam is confident that playing on the home soil would help them do well in the prestigious tournament.

'Our defence system starts with our first four and that's why we have a solid defence. People look to Brazil and always try to find players who score or dribble but we have many other qualities. With our goalkeeper and defenders, we have a solid defence' 'It's pretty exciting for us and we are looking to do something great here'

With exactly 10 days to go for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Local Organising Committee chairman Praful Patel, on Tuesday, declared that India is "100 per cent ready" to host the event.

'Our plan is to put the best foot forward for the upcoming tournament and play good matches'

New Zealand are placed in Group B along with Turkey, Paraguay and Mali.

India have been drawn in Group A alongside USA, Colombia and Ghana. The hosts face USA on October 6, followed by Colombia and Ghana on October 9 and October 12 respectively at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

News of all that's transpired on and off the football field

FIFA legends Carlos Valderrama and Marcel Desailly on Wednesday advised the Indian colts to view the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup as a huge opportunity to shine on the international stage and perform to their potential.

Tiny Cape Verde Islands catapulted themselves into surprise World Cup contention with a 2-1 victory away to South Africa.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo struck his fifth international hat-trick, including a spectacular volleyed opener, to lead the European champions to a 5-1 win over the Faroe Islands in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Valencia sign Kondogbia on loan from Inter

Manchester United are satisfied with their transfer business and under no pressure to sign a fourth player in the current window, manager Jose Mourinho said.

Nadal, who got a first-round bye, defeated Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4 to advance.

Bopanna being the highest-ranked doubles player in the country is automatic choice for the doubles rubber.

Rediff.com lists those sportsmen who have been accused of 'sleeping with the enemy'

This and more from the happenings in the world of football

The plane carrying Chapecoense to the Copa Sudamericana final, first leg against Atletico Nacional crashed into mountains outside Medellin, Colombia on November 28 after running out of fuel, killing 71 of the 77 people on board

Pack your bags. Umbrellas and raincoats optional.