Delhi Dynamos v FC Goa - Who will make it to the final?

After a stellar first showing of the Indian Super League threw the gauntlet down, the second season has lived up to and surpassed all expectations. A string of global marquee players have graced the Indian green, pre-season favourites and heavy buyers have bitten ignominious dust, dark horses have picked up sudden speed, and the crowds have constantly lapped up this swirling soup of unpredictability.

As the final whistle blew in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Roberto Carlos locked Zico in a warm embrace of Brazilian greats, the Dynamos coach would have felt a sense of tempered satisfaction. Satisfaction at having qualified for the semi-finals with games to spare – essentially making this encounter with FC Goa a dead rubber dress rehearsal – and caveat-ed with caution after some worrying recent results and leaky defending.

Breaking from stereotype, Delhi don’t have an over-reliance on any single magical panacea striker like Stevin Mendoza, Iain Hume, or Reinaldo. Their goal tally, albeit modest, is evenly distributed across their forward line, with Richard Gadze netting four and Robin Singh, Gustavo Dos Santos, and Adil Nabi having three strikes each.

In addition to goals, these players offer a diverse and complementary set of skills: Gadze’s swiveling hips and low centre of gravity, Dos Santos’s pace and trickery, Nabi’s smart runs and anticipation, and Robin Singh’s leonine jostling and hold up play. The absence of a single talismanic striker means that Delhi’s opponents have numerous targets to be wary of, a multi-headed hydra with well-rounded striking prowess.

Weakness: Defensive lapses and poor home form

At the outset, Delhi’s tally of 20 goals conceded isn’t likely to be a subject of further worry; with the third best defensive record in the league and an accomplished defensive setup of John Arne Riise, Anas Edathodika, Chicao, and Toni Doblas, one can confidently repose faith in Delhi’s ability to keep it tight at the back. But take a closer look at their recent defensive failings and Delhi may potentially have a problem.

Another worry for Carlos’s men is their mediocre home form throughout the season. Two wins, four draws, and a loss at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium means they have the poorest home record among the top four teams. A narrow 1-0 win over Chennai early on in the season is the only precedent for Delhi’s home success against any of their three potential opponents. With the first leg of the semi-final against Goa creeping up fast, Delhi would do well to shore up defensively and get their home mojo back if they want to improve their chances of progression.

FC Goa

Strength: The efficient reign of Reinaldo

His name may be one syllable off from El Fenomeno, but this lanky Brazilian has torn into the ISL like a tornado while in the autumn of his career. A veteran who has graced clubs like Flamengo, PSG, Sao Paolo, Santos, and Botafogo, Reinaldo is no stranger to having expectations thrust upon him. And he has met those expectations head-on this season, seven goals and four assists making him one of the highest contributing strikers in the league.

Another point to note about FC Goa’s attack is how efficient it is in terms of shots and shots on target. Goa’s shots/goal ratio is the best among the top four teams, with the team taking just under 6 shots for every goal scored. Zico’s charges also have the best shots/shots on target ratio, needing just 1.58 shots for every shot on target. With semi-finals and finals usually being tight, cagey affairs, the more efficient Goa team can really make their advantage count.

Weakness: Big losses and bogey teams

Just like Delhi, Goa has a decent if unremarkable defensive record at first glance with 20 goals conceded. But a look at the score-lines reveal a propensity to lose big and iffy showings against fellow semi-finalists. A chastening 4-0 home loss to Chennai and another 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Atletico de Kolkata is sure to hand the psychological advantage to the opposition, should Goa progress to the final. Goa have not managed to beat Atletico this season at all, in fact, with the home leg also yielding only a 1-1 draw.

Conclusion

The semi-final seems succulently set up, with Delhi’s Malouda magic facing off against Goa’s Reinaldo dominance. With both teams capable of the odd big defeat, Delhi’s average home form, and warning signs in Goa’s previous performances against Delhi, the guillotine of failure hangs equally ominously over both teams. But the wreath of victory is also equally within reach.