ISL 2015: Three reasons why Delhi and Goa will play out a draw tonight
Delhi Dynamos host FC Goa in the first leg of their semi-final tie of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi tonight. Both teams are looking to reach the final for the very first time, and everything is pointing towards a cagey match, where Zico and Roberto Carlos will be content with a draw.
Prediction
Delhi Dynamos 1-1 FC Goa
1. Chicao to counteract Leo Moura
Leo Moura has been the most influential playmaker in the league this season with 8 assists and 2 goals in his 13 matches so far. The Brazilian has also made the most number of passes (724) and only Delhi Dynamos' Florent Malouda can compete with him on these statistics. The numbers seem more incredible when one considers that Moura has played as a right back for most of his career!
Even Goa manager Zico, who emphasizes on team effort rather than individuals, will acknowledge that his team's chances of making it through to the final relies heavily on how Moura performs in the two legs of this semi-final tie.
Delhi Dynamos manager Roberto Carlos will come into this match with a plan to stop Moura and his plan will center around Chicao. The Brazilian defender has been used as a holding midfielder by the former Real Madrid legend and the 34-year-old has prospered in that role. Chicao has shielded the back-four with a poise expected from someone with his experience and he has already made 21 interceptions – fourth highest in the league.
Both Moura and Chicao operate in the same space in the midfield and the former Corinthians player will be directed by his manager to mark Moura and deny him time and space on the ball. Chicao will also be helped out by Hans Mulder, who is expected to start alongside him. If the duo manage to stifle Moura, it will greatly handicap Goa's attack.
2. Delhi's stubborn defence against Goa's swashbuckling attack
Although Delhi 'goals against' column in the table has been spoiled a bit by the 10 goals they conceded in their last four league games, they have been one of the best defensive units in the league so far. They conceded just nine goals in their first nine games and their place in the semis was built around their solidity at the back.
Anas Edathodika and John Arne Riise have formed a reliable partnership, while Toni Doblas has the highest saves per match ratio, for goalkeepers who have played 10 or more games, with 41 saves in 10 outings.
They are perhaps the most well-equipped defensive unit to deal with the potent attack which Goa possesses. Zico's men are the top scorer in the league with 29 goals in 14 games. Towards the end of the league phase, Goa scored 16 goals in their last five matches, as they decimated Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters on their way to the semis.
However, the visitors will find it a lot harder to break down Roberto Carlos' men in the first leg, who will set up his team defensively in order to avoid conceding away goals.
3. Delhi's fortress at home
Delhi have lost just one of their seven home games this season, in fact they have faced just three defeats, in 14 games, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium since the inaugural campaign. The Lions have proved to be a tough nut to crack at home, and they will be facing a team who have a strong record on the road. Goa have faced just four defeats in their 15 away games so far, including their semi-final outing against Kolkata last season.
The fact Delhi have drawn four of their seven matches at home this season, also points to a match where both teams will be content in sharing the points.
