India finished their
The match was defined by a dominant attacking display from the Indian side, who established a commanding 6-1 lead before a late surge from the Cuban team narrowed the final margin. Despite the late pressure, India maintained their composure to secure their fifth win of the competition.
A Clinical Performance in the Final Outing
The victory was built on a series of impressive individual performances, with three players netting braces to dismantle the Cuban defense. Victor Lalawmpuia opened the scoring in the first minute and added his second in the 23rd minute. He was joined on the scoresheet by Nibas Meetei Wahengbam, who found the back of the net in the 6th and 22nd minutes, and R Lalremruatfela, who contributed goals in the 12th and 27th minutes.
This win served as a fitting end to a challenging tournament that featured 189 participating nations. By the conclusion of the event, India secured an 87th-place finish in the overall standings. Throughout their ten-match run, the Blue Colts demonstrated their competitive spirit, recording five victories, four defeats, and one draw.
Reflecting on the Tournament Journey
The campaign saw India face a diverse range of international opponents. Beyond their final success against Cuba, the team celebrated victories over Laos, Cameroon, Bahrain, and Trinidad and Tobago. Their path was not without difficulty, as they faced losses against Senegal, Honduras, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan, in addition to a hard-fought draw against Grenada.
The inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival provided a significant platform for the squad to gain international experience. Finishing in the top half of the overall rankings, the team returns from the tournament having showcased their offensive capabilities and resilience across a demanding schedule.
