There is a certain pleasure in watching a football match in Goa. The never-ending rhythm of the drums, the occasional trumpet – it all adds to the party atmosphere. With an attendance of 13,000, the noise in the stadium never seems to abate. It is no wonder then that FC Goa, having gone unbeaten in their last five home games, started off their 2015 campaign in style, seeing off a star-studded Delhi Dynamos 2-0.
Disappointing from Delhi
With players of the likes of Florent Malouda and John Arne Riise, not to mention a certain Roberto Carlos, this was, by all means, a disappointing performance from the Delhi boys. They have conducted a complete overhaul of their team, letting go of Alessandro Del Piero from last year and bringing in some top names, but this was probably not the opening night they would have bargained for. To be fair, the foreign contingent could not be blamed – Malouda was at his impressive best at Fatorda, drawing “oohs” and “aahs” at every touch. Every time, he took a corner kick, he created havoc in the Goa ranks with Zico’s men just about holding on. Riise also rolled back the years, playing a nice one-two with Malouda before unleashing a trademark curler from his left foot in the second half, unfortunately to see it hit the post. In desperation, Carlos brought himself on and showed glimpses of his genius, almost beating the Goa keeper Elinton Andrade with a trademark long-range free kick at the death.
Conversely, Goa may not possess such superstars but in Zico, they have a world-class manager and he proved his mettle yet again, by ensuring his team never got overawed. Goa played exciting, free-flowing football, attacking with gusto and always looking like scoring. Romeo Fernandes, the local boy, was exceptional in the first goal, easily sweeping past Riise to provide the pass for the goal. Their counter-attacking play was breathless and they thoroughly deserved their second goal, right on the stroke of half-time, their Brazilian import expertly directing the ball into goal from point-blank range from a free-kick.
Forca Goa
The noise inside the stadium kicked up a notch in the second half, but except for a frenetic five-minute period where Delhi hit the post two consecutive times, the pace of the game slackened. Delhi’s Indian talent is obviously their weakest link but there was one crumb of comfort for them – the performance of keeper Sanjiban Ghosh. Though he let in two goals, Ghosh sparkled throughout the match, making a series of saves to deny Goa from extending their lead. He was arguably Delhi’s player of the night – an impressive feat, especially considering that Ghosh was signed only signed up on an emergency basis a few days back, because Delhi’s first-choice goalkeepers had been ruled out with injuries.
Goa had a torrid start to the season last year losing their way a bit, before bouncing back strongly to reach the semi-finals. This is a much better start from them and the Goan faithful had every reason to chant “Forca Goa” towards the end. Carlos on the other hand has plenty of work ahead of him – his Delhi team might not be short on talent but they desperately need to find a way to get their Indian players into form.
Disappointing from Delhi
With players of the likes of Florent Malouda and John Arne Riise, not to mention a certain Roberto Carlos, this was, by all means, a disappointing performance from the Delhi boys. They have conducted a complete overhaul of their team, letting go of Alessandro Del Piero from last year and bringing in some top names, but this was probably not the opening night they would have bargained for. To be fair, the foreign contingent could not be blamed – Malouda was at his impressive best at Fatorda, drawing “oohs” and “aahs” at every touch. Every time, he took a corner kick, he created havoc in the Goa ranks with Zico’s men just about holding on. Riise also rolled back the years, playing a nice one-two with Malouda before unleashing a trademark curler from his left foot in the second half, unfortunately to see it hit the post. In desperation, Carlos brought himself on and showed glimpses of his genius, almost beating the Goa keeper Elinton Andrade with a trademark long-range free kick at the death.
Conversely, Goa may not possess such superstars but in Zico, they have a world-class manager and he proved his mettle yet again, by ensuring his team never got overawed. Goa played exciting, free-flowing football, attacking with gusto and always looking like scoring. Romeo Fernandes, the local boy, was exceptional in the first goal, easily sweeping past Riise to provide the pass for the goal. Their counter-attacking play was breathless and they thoroughly deserved their second goal, right on the stroke of half-time, their Brazilian import expertly directing the ball into goal from point-blank range from a free-kick.
Forca Goa
The noise inside the stadium kicked up a notch in the second half, but except for a frenetic five-minute period where Delhi hit the post two consecutive times, the pace of the game slackened. Delhi’s Indian talent is obviously their weakest link but there was one crumb of comfort for them – the performance of keeper Sanjiban Ghosh. Though he let in two goals, Ghosh sparkled throughout the match, making a series of saves to deny Goa from extending their lead. He was arguably Delhi’s player of the night – an impressive feat, especially considering that Ghosh was signed only signed up on an emergency basis a few days back, because Delhi’s first-choice goalkeepers had been ruled out with injuries.
Goa had a torrid start to the season last year losing their way a bit, before bouncing back strongly to reach the semi-finals. This is a much better start from them and the Goan faithful had every reason to chant “Forca Goa” towards the end. Carlos on the other hand has plenty of work ahead of him – his Delhi team might not be short on talent but they desperately need to find a way to get their Indian players into form.
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