When FC Goa performed their first recreation in opposition to Qatar’s Al Rayyan on April 14, no person gave them a lot of an opportunity. Yet the Indian membership got here out with a commendable 0-0 draw. On Monday, when Goa went up in opposition to them in the return leg, the expectations had been only a bit greater, even hopeful of a win. All this as a result of Goa had drawn in opposition to Al Wahda and restricted Iranian giants Persepolis to only a 2-1 win in the first leg. Even although FC Goa obtained a 4-0 thrashing vs Persepolis in the second leg, there was hope as a result of that consequence was attributable to modifications galore pressured by suspensions, accidents, and holding the final two video games in thoughts.
FC Goa obtained an ideal begin when Jorge Ortiz scored the opener in simply the third minute. A protracted ball from Brandon Fernandes caught the Al Rayyan defence off guard and Ortiz made an ideal run behind the defence to get to the ball. The onrushing holding tried to cowl his aim however Ortiz’s outstretched contact took to his chest and rolled out, serving to Ortiz poke the ball dwelling earlier than it may very well be cleared.
Dream begin! Dream recreation! But… for an 89th minute equaliser. FC Goa had managed to frustrate Al Rayyan and had been ever so near a historic victory however only one lapse in focus and it was all gone, decreasing the FC Goa gamers to tears after the full time whistle. Abdulaziz Hatem was allowed approach an excessive amount of time and house on the left flank, which he used to ship the ball into the field. Even although Dheeraj Singh obtained to it, he and centre-back James Donachie obtained into one another’s approach, resulting in the keeper spilling the ball and Ali Ferydoon slotted the ball into the again of the internet.
ALSO READ: Crisis Averted as CSA, Members’ Council Reach ‘Historic’ Pact
It was a draw that felt like a loss to FC Goa and billions of Indians hoping for some ecstasy amid the gloominess of coronavirus pandemic throughout the nation. However, to FC Goa’s credit score, it’s their efficiency all through this event that has created this window that followers had been even hoping for a win in opposition to the giants of Qatar soccer.
POSITIVES
There are fairly a number of positives for FC Goa to take from the recreation, the first being their consolation on the ball. Juan Ferrando needs his staff to play possession-based soccer. Even although the staff has not had the lion’s share of possession in the event, they do look snug with the ball of their toes at any time when they’ve it. There isn’t any panic amongst the FC Goa to simply clear the ball away however they appear to be they’ve a plan they usually know what they need to be doing on the subject. Against groups of such calibre, it’s refreshing to see how a lot readability FC Goa have on the pitch.
Ortiz was a begin all through the match! Not solely did he rating the aim, his tireless operating and imaginative and prescient to create was essential for FC Goa at any time when they moved ahead. Ortiz has fully justified Ferrando’s belief in him with the Spanish coach leaving out striker Igor Angulo.
Seriton Fernandes was a tormentor for Al Rayyan on the proper. Not solely did he hold form and defended at the again, his runs up forward caught Al Rayyan out quite a lot of time with the Qatari facet discovering it robust to cope with him.
Last however not the least Dheeraj, regardless of that mistake resulting in the aim, was as soon as once more sensible. He stopped six of Al Rayyan’s shot heading in the right direction together with an enormous stage in stoppage time that ensured FC Goa obtained at the least a degree out of the match.
COACH’S WORDS
Here is what Juan Ferrando stated in the post-match press convention:
It is after all tough while you lose in the final minute however the reality is we play in opposition to an excellent groups. It’s a pleasure to play in opposition to Persepolis, Al Wahda and Al Rayyan as a result of these groups play soccer. Okay some errors, it’s crucial to manage them. Today’s recreation was crucial for us as a result of you recognize in India, the state of affairs may be very tough and we had been considering, if we win, could also be it’s second for Indian folks, it’s very tough for gamers, they had been speaking about enjoying for India. I learn about these tough moments. But in the minute, it’s soccer, one mistake in transition and it’s alright. It’s crucial for me to inform the gamers they did an incredible job. Of course we have to enhance. We have another alternative subsequent in opposition to Al Wahda, I’m now excited about the subsequent recreation. Lot of accidents, it’s tough to arrange the squad and the line-ups. The medical workers is working so onerous at the second, that’s the reality.
The motion for the aim in my view was in transition. I would like to return and see however I feel it was a foul after which on this transition, from assault to defence, the staff will not be prepared. This is the distinction between groups in India and for instance, Al Rayyan. But it’s not doable to speak about mistake as a result of I do know my gamers and the aim in the final minute was a horrible second for them. We will be taught after all as a result of one time (mistake) it’s okay however two instances, no. But I feel it’s good to play on this competitors in Champions League as a result of then we will speak about the issues and discover options and follow that in the pitch.
Read all the Latest News and Breaking News right here
