Premier Futsal | Chennai and Kochi play out an eight-goal thriller
The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium had almost 7000 people to cheer their home team in the last game of the inaugural edition's Chennai leg. The classic battle of attack vs defence was on cards as Falcao’s Chennai 5’s took on Kochi 5’s. But, both teams played out a 4-4 thriller to share points.
Starting lineup for both teams :
Chennai 5’s : Espindola, Romulo,
Kochi 5’s : Casalone, Chaguinha, Mohd Ameer and Salgado
The home team threw away an early two-goal lead with Kochi 5s mounting a late comeback. Falcao inspired his Chennai side with an early brace as Chennai racked up a 4-2 lead, but his absence was felt as Moraes and Chaguinha inspired Kochi to come back to 4-4, with Michel Salgado showing why his experience and aggression in leading the Kochi team.
With Chennai coming off the back off a loss to Mumbai in the opening game, the ‘home’ side laid all their hopes at the feet of Falcao, with Michel Salgado standing like a wall for the Kochi 5s. Chennai started off brightly, with Romulo, Falcao, and Cirilo going close, with the latter drawing a great reaction save from Kochi keeper Casalone early on.
Those in attendance today witnessed the typical Salgado performance against Chennai. He was seen in all his elements as he was seen arranging his troupes from the back and making those menacing runs which ruffled the Chennai defense several times. Every feisty move from Michel was applauded by a group of Real Madrid fans, who were the noisiest in the last game Premier Futsal’s Chennai leg.
Speaking at the post-match conference, Kochi 5’s Coach, Sergio said, “Player to Player was always going to be key against the fast moving Chennai team. I think our defense did well for most parts of the
The home crowd
Falcao made up for his mistake soon after, setting up Cirilo for a tap in with a cross from the right as Chennai took a 3-2 lead going into the third quarter. Falcao went off injured before the start of the third quarter, with Chennai looking hampered as Kochi came back into the game. However, it was Casalone who was the hero for Kochi as he made a number of saves as the third quarter progressed, with freestyler Sean Garnier denied thrice, while delighting the crowd with a few pieces of superb skills.
Speaking about Falcao’s injury that forced him off the pitch early, Romulo said, “It is just a niggle and we are confident that Falcao will shake it off soon and should be ready for the next game in Goa. He is an inspirational captain and the whole Futsal world looks up to him and Premier Futsal and Chennai 5’s are no different. He was clinical today and it was unfortunate he could not complete the game.”
Camilo made the game slightly safe in the 28th minute, although Kochi
Chennai
Chennai 5's |
Kochi 5's |
Falcao – 10 and 12 Mins |
Moraes – 7 and 32 Mins |
Cirilo - 18 Min |
Chaguinha – 17 and 36 Mins |
Camilo - 27 Min |
Report Courtesy: © Premier Futsal media
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