Zico trumps Carlos as FC Goa start ISL 2015 with an emphatic win
FC Goa grabbed a convincing 2-0 win over Delhi Dynamos, as Mandar Rao Desai and Reinaldo shine for the host.
When the Delhi Dynamos’ line-up was announced at the start of the game, it was surprising to see last season’s star performer Gustavo Dos Santos starting on the bench. Roberto Carlos opted for a fairly defensive 5-3-2 formation, and it didn’t take long for FC Goa to exploit the space behind the fullbacks.
The home side were off to a flying start as they opened the scoring, only a couple of minutes after kick-off. Leo Moura picked out Romeo Fernandes on the right wing, who skipped by John Arne Riise and delivered a low cross into the box. Mandar Rao Desai made a fantastic run from the opposite side of the pitch, but before he could apply the finishing touch, Souvik Chakraborty inadvertently poked the ball into his own net.
Goa controlled the game in the midfield with Leo Moura pulling all the strings from the center of the park. The front three were putting the Delhi defence under immense pressure with their pace and movement off the ball.
Zico’s men doubled their lead just before half-time, when they opened up their opponent’s defence with a swift counter-attack. Jofre was fouled, just outside the box, by Vinicius and the former Atletico de Kolkata midfielder delivered brilliantly from the resultant free-kick.
The Spaniard’s low and hard cross was tapped into the net, with his thigh, by Reinaldo. It was a deserved goal for the Brazilian forward, and for Goa, who dominated the first half completely.
Roberto Carlos made couple of changes at the start of the second half as he brought himself on, along with Dos Santos.
The visitors pushed hard for a goal and came close in the 54th minute of the game when they struck the post twice. John Arne Riise dragged the ball onto his famous left foot and his delicately curled shot hit the post on the left. The ball reached Gradzie on the right wing, who delivered a lovely cross for Malouda inside the box. But the Frenchman’s powerful header was saved by the right post as the goalkeeper watched in dismay.
Goa should have added more to their tally of goals if not for some excellent keeping from Delhi goalie, Sanjiban Ghosh, who pulled off some amazing saves to keep his side in the hunt.
In the end, it was an emphatic 2-0 victory for the home side. If they are able to maintain this form away from home, Goa will have to be considered as a title contender this season.
Roberto Carlos still has a lot of work to do before his next match. The tactical set-up of the team was questionable, as were some of his decisions regarding the team selection. The defence looked vulnerable against pace and they afforded too much space to the Goa attackers. Their next match at home, against Chennaiyin FC, will be a litmus test for Roberto Carlos’ managerial capabilities.
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