U-17 World Cup: USA star Sargent focused to deliver

USA U-17 team skipper Josh Sargent had already built a reputation before coming to India. The skillful striker scored four goals in four matches during the May-June Fifa U-20 World Cup in South Korea to finish as the joint second-highest topscorer, making Werder Bremen take note.

The Bundesliga club secured his services from 2018 onwards. He has sizzled in the U-17 edition as well, netting USA’s opener in a 3-0 win over hosts India. Even though Colombian defence heavily marked him in the last league game at D.Y. Patil Stadium on Thursday, the ginger-haired striker managed to create moments of brilliance to show his quality and maturity to Mumbai football fans.

“Right now the aim is to play as a team for the country and do well here,” said Sargent when asked about his progression to the next level. The 17-year-old competed well with players two or three years older during U-20 World Cup but he reckons he doesn’t find it easy during the ongoing U-17 World Cup. “l think it’s very challenging if its U-17 or U-20 because it’s still the World Cup with the best teams in the world,” he said. Sargent and his team are seen as the golden generation back home and with their team failing to qualify for 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, the expectations on his team and he may go up a notch higher. “Yes we were sad after USA missed qualification. Our generation is hailed back home and expectations will be there but we are not thinking too much about progression to senior level and playing for big club. Right now, we want to play as a team and do well,” he said. Sargent was considered one of the favourite contenders for the Golden Boot Award before the tournament, after his exploits 
in U-20 World Cup, but his Colombian rival on Thursday Juan Penaloza has been on a goal-scoring spree with three goals in as many games. “It will be good to win the Golden Boot. But right now, I’m just trying to focus on winning games for the team,” Sargent said. Meanwhile, Penaloza who broke Indian hearts by scoring both goals in Colombia’s 2-1 win over the hosts, produced a stunning free-kick followed by an assist to see Colombia through to playoffs on Thursday. 

“These goals I scored (three in the tournament) are result of the team, we play as a team. I tried my luck (on free-kick) as the situation demanded it and it went off well,” a humble Penaloza said. Colombia were the first team to arrive in India and had been stationed in New Delhi before coming to Mumbai, and will now play the Round of 16 game in New Delhi. Penaloza says he doesn’t mind travelling in India. “We are loving this country. Unfortunately I didn’t get much to time visit places across Mumbai,” he said. 

Paraguay, who were stationed in Mumbai from the beginning, also progressed to knockouts after winning all three games here. They enthralled the crowd with their quick attacks, and although their defence cracked at times, they showed character to come back every time. “We enjoyed playing in Mumbai. For us, the defensive aspect of our game is very important. That’s something to focus on,” said Paraguayan coach Gustavo Morinigo.