A bright India provided hope for a brighter future but their dream ended in a heartbreak following a 1-2 defeat to Colombia yesterday in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, leaving the many heads totting the stands teary-eyed. When defensive midfielder Jeakson Thounaojam neutralised Colombia's lead by scoring the country's first-ever World Cup goal in the 82nd minute, India were moments away from securing their maiden draw in only the second attempt. But that was not to be as Juan Penaloza (83rd) scored his second of the night on the counter to leave the home players, as well as the crowd, crestfallen.

India's Jeakson Thounaojam (centre) celebrates scoring a goal with his teammates during their FIFA U-17 World Cup match against Colombia in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/PTI