PANJIM: Mia Bhuta has understandably drawn much attention the moment she landed in India with the USA team doing duty at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The midfielder sporting the No. 10 jersey is of Indian origin, her father, who hails from Rajkot, Gujarat, having settled in the USA after earning a tennis scholarship.
Mia scored a memorable goal against India in her country’s opener in Bhubaneswar – a long distance effort that found the net and one of eight goals the US scored, brooking no reply from the hosts.
“That I did so with my family watching has made me very happy. It’s something that every player dreams of. But it wasn’t just me. It was the team and I was given the perfect pass to score from,” she said.
Less than a week later, she finds herself in Goa for the USA’s concluding group game against Morocco and Mia is savouring a whole new place.
“I have never travelled to Goa before and I’m super excited at being here,” she said.
Mia said that wherever she goes, she wishes to inspire young girls take up soccer. “This is what I really want to do. So, I don’t feel the pressure of expectation.
“I’ve been super excited. The people here are super nice and it’s an incredible feeling meeting people,” she said.
About Indian women’s football, Mia expresses enthusiasm and a lot of hope.
“India has so much potential. So many talented players with speed, power and aggression,” she said.
“But they need support around them. India needs to invest in girls’ sport. The players really need support from people, leaders and the government,” Mia said.
The USA drew 1-1 with Brazil, ever the favourites in any form of football. A win over Morocco on Monday is likely to take them to top spot in Group A should Brazil win by a margin less than eight against India.
Mia has faith in her team. “We play hard and we can trust our training. On my part, I try my best to help the team.
“Even if we don’t start, we are a close group. We are technically so amazing on the pitch and so positive off it.”