Fernando Morientes in action during the exhibition match at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. PTIMumbai: It was a walk down memory lane for spectators at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday with five FIFA legends showing their class and skills. Spaniard Fernando Morientes netted four goals, as the legends team edged an Indian outfit 5-4 in an exhibition match.
The 20-minute-match, in which the five legends Morientes, Colombian great Carlos Valderrama, French World Cup-winner Marcel Desailly, Mexican Jorge Campos and Nigerian Emmanuel Amuneke, took part, was held to begin the 30-day countdown of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which will be hosted by India from October 6.
The Indian mixed gender team comprised Steven Dias, Arjuna awardee Oinam Bembem Devi, Indian women's national team skipper Ngangom Bala Devi, two boys from Mission XI Million, Union minister Babul Supriyo and Bollywood filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, with Henry Menezes manning the goal.
But clearly Morientes, who played for Real Madrid in his impressive career, was the cynosure of all eyes as he troubled the opposition to score four splendid goals.
From left: Carlos Valderrama, Emmanuel Amunike, Fernando Morientes, Jorge Campos and Marcel Desailly at the unveiling of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Trophy. PTIHe opened the account by slotting home after receiving a pass from Valderrama and did not look back.
His pairing with Valderrama stood out.
Campos, the custodian for the visitors, also donned the role of striker in the later half of the match.
Bala Devi's brace helped the Indian team reduce the margin and her second goal shot from outside the box was cheered by the over 5,000-strong crowd. She also assisted in one of the four goals scored by the home team.
During the break, the official song for the U-17 World Cup was played.
Maharashtra sports minister Vinod Tawde, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray were among those present to witness the contest.
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