India's U-17 World Cup squad went down fighting against SL Benfica 3-0 on Friday in a friendly match as part of its exposure trip to Europe. The Portuguese outfit, which is also leading the Primeira Liga table, scored one in the first 45 minutes and added a couple in the second half to get the better of Norton de Matos' boys.
Luis Pinheiro (26'), Umero Embalo (51') and Matos (70') were on target for the host.
Indian colts started on a positive note and came very close to scoring the opener within first 15 minutes. Sanjeev put in a cutting-edge pass for Aniket but the striker failed to convert it.
The host drew first blood from a well-taken corner in the 26th minute. Luis Pinheiro collected the long ball and rattled the back of the net to put his team in the driver's seat.
Few chances
Amarjit played a long ball down the right flank but Komal, having received it, couldn't penetrate the gutsy Benfica defence line. On the rebound, Aniket tried his luck but the goalie had no problem gloving it.
Five minutes to the break, Rahul dribbled past the fellow defender but his long-ranger sailed over the crossbar.
Benfica doubled the lead just six minutes into the second half when Umero Embalo's shot got a heavy deflection off Rahul and hit the back of the net.
Matos netted its third in the 70th minute to add more woes to the India dugout.
The Indians conceded the penalty but 'keeper Dheeraj saved the spot kick.
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