Panaji: Four India teams made it to the continental championships, providing fans with hope that at least one of them could break the jinx and become the first to qualify for the World Cup on sporting merit. In the end, it all came to nothing.The U-17 girls who fought their way to the quarterfinals of AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup were the country’s best hope but India found hosts China too strong in their last-eight clash, losing 0-3 at the Suzhou Sports Center Stadium, Suzhou, on Monday.China dominated from start to finish and had almost 75% ball possession with 28 shots. India, in contrast, saw little of the ball and had only a couple of attempts, though Pamela Conti’s side was brave in the first half an hour, holding the former semifinalists goalless. Then, before the end of the first half, the Young Tigresses conceded twice.The goal probably broke their resolve coming at the stroke of half time. It came from the penalty spot, with the last kick of the first half. With China now leading 2-0, the comeback doors were almost shut.No wonder, India players crowded South Korean referee Park Sejin at half time, wondering how the penalty was awarded. Coach Conti too raised questions on the sidelines after Ritu Badaik was judged to have brought down Liu Yuxi inside the penalty area.Yuxi herself stepped up to convert the spot-kick in the fourth minute of first half added time and gave China a 2–0 advantage at the break. Earlier Huang Qinyi (38′) provided the breakthrough while Li Qixian (90′) added another one in the closing minutes.Before China could open their account, India almost caught the home team napping against the run of play, just before the half-hour mark with Joya connecting Pritika Barman’s cross inside the box. The effort, however, was blocked before India earned a corner.For most of the game, India were pushed into their own half with Abhista Basnett, Elizabeth Lakra, Ritu and captain Divyani Linda doing their best to keep the marauding opponents at bay. Goalkeeper Munni also had plenty to save.China confirmed their ticket to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 with the win and will face defending champions North Korea in the semifinals on Thursday.
