ISL 2015: Chicao’s penalty provides Delhi Dynamos with a 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC
Marco Materazzi’s men succumbed to their second consecutive defeat, as their potent attack was held at bay by John Arne Riise and a resolute Delhi defense in the second match for the teams at ISL 2015
Chennaiyin FC and the Delhi Dynamos came into this game knowing full well that they both needed the win. The Chennai-based team began their campaign against Atletico de Kolkata, in the opener of the Hero ISL, but came away with a loss after a less-than-impressive performance. Similarly, Delhi an uphill task after a 2-0 thumping at the hands of FC Goa who thoroughly dominated them.
Both managers knew a loss here would leave them with too much to make up for later in the tournament. It was a cracker of a start to the game, as the referee awarded a penalty to Delhi Dynamos within eight minutes of play. Hans Mulder’s shot was bravely blocked by Manuele Blasi, but the referee deemed the ball to have struck the Italian midfielder’s hand. Chicao stepped up, and converted from the spot kick calmly, providing the home side with an early lead.
It was not the start that Manuele Blasi would’ve expected in his debut ISL game, and just the start that the doctor had ordered for Roberto Carlos’ men. The first half saw a little more excitement with Stiven Mendoza rattling the post, after Edathodika foolishly gave the ball away in the heart of the Delhi defense. Shortly after this blunder, Elano turned into a body of Delhi players and got dispossessed, providing Gadze with the chance to carry the ball all the way to the Chennai area. He unleashed a low drive, which was denied only by the post.
It was Mendoza who continued to be in the thick of the action as his movement caused Mulder and John Arne Riise to bring him down, earning them each a yellow card. Delhi’s midfield battled hard to claim supremacy in the middle of the park, but it was Chennai who held the upper hand for the rest of the half.
The second half kicked off lively as well, with Delhi Dynamos midfielder Chicao coming close to scoring the second goal of the game, his shot inches wide of Edel’s far post. Chennaiyin FC responded immediately, with Balwant Singh heading just fractions off target.
The 61st minute saw a great chance go abegging when right-back Abhishek Das latched onto a sumptuous cross, which he scuffed into goalkeeper Ghosh’s hands. Chennai still held the upper hand, passing the ball about, as they continued to search out the equalising goal.
Delhi was happy to let Chennai hold possession with Riise and the Delhi defense holding strong. Manager Marco Materazzi, losing out on time, decided to bring off Elano for Bruno Pelissari, and Blasi for Fikru, in an attempt to salvage at least a draw. Both Fikru and Pelissari made no impact.
It wasn’t to be Chennai’s night as they succumbed to yet another defeat against the Delhi Dynamos, who proved defensively astute, coupled with some poor finishing upfront from the Chennai attackers. On the night Chennaiyin FC lacked incision and were left feeling what could’ve been.
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