In their opening encounter of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in New Delhi tonight, India lost to a superior United States of America team by three goals to Nil. Playing in their maiden FIFA tournament, rank outsiders India showed heart but lacked in skill and quality. Captain and star striker Josh Sargent gave US the lead in the 30th minute through a penalty before Chris Dunkin got a freak goal in the 51st minute. Andrew Carleton completed the tally in the 84th minute. India were left to defend their citadel for the better part of the game. But for fine anticipatory skills of goalkeeper Moirangthem Deeraj Singh, who made some impressive saves, India could have conceded more goals.India will play their second Group A match against Colombia in Delhi at 8 p.m. on October 9. Earlier, in the tournament opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, two-time champions Ghana began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Colombia. Sadiq Ibrahim scored the all-important goal in the 39th minute. Ghana earned three points for the win. Ghana's next Group A match will be against the United States in Delhi at 5 p.m. on October 9. In the opening Group B match at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai today, New Zealand came from a goal down to draw 1-1 against Turkey. Striker Ahmed Kutucu gave the lead for Turkey in the 18th minute, which was neutralised by Kiwi captain Max Mata in the 58th minute. In the second Group B encounter, Paraguay beat Mali 3-2. After the two sides were tied 2-2 at half-time, Alan Rodriguez successfully converted from the spot in the 55th minute to score the winner for Paraguay. In tomorrow's Group C matches in Goa, formidable Germany will take on Costa Rica at 5 p.m., while Asian giants Iran will meet Guinea at 8 p.m. In the Group D encounter at Kochi, three-time champions Brazil will face European powerhouse Spain, who have never managed to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup. In another Group D match at Kochi, DPR Korea will play debutants Niger.