IFA Shield 2013’s biggest crowd puller should be Deportivo Saprissa, the most successful Costa Rican club of all time. Saprissa has been placed in the Kolkata-Kalyani group and will have their strongest opponent in Mohun Bagan, back after a one year hiatus from the tournament. The Green & Maroons were the first Indian club to win IFA Shield in 1911 and the 2013 edition may be their last chance to win a trophy this season
Kolkata-Kalyani Phase
Deportivo Saprissa is undoubtedly the star attraction of this edition of IFA Shield. Nicknamed ai???Purple Monstersai??? the Costa Rican club has won 29 domestic titles, a national record as well as three CONCACAF Champions Cup titles.
Mohun Bagan may have celebrated the 100th anniversary of their historic IFA Shield triumph last year but their recent record in Shield and in Indian football, in general, has been dismal. The Green & Maroons have not won Shield since 2003 and didnai??i??t even participate last season.
Since its entry to I-League, Pune FC has become one of the most consistent sides in Indian top flight. The Red Lizards have turned Balewadi as one of the most difficult away trips in the country and have routinely picked up praiseworthy away results. Pune FC was in title contention for a number of rounds in this seasonai??i??s I-League but they seem to have lost their steam after that.
Baichung Bhutiaai??i??s United Sikkim FC was a last minute entrant to IFA Shield after Shillong Lajong FC and Mumbai FC dropped out due to injuries and lack of squad strength. The Snow Lions have struggled in I-League in their maiden season and are ear-marked as one of the candidates for relegation.
Final Verdict: Deportivo Saprissa and Mohun Bagan favorites to qualify as group winners and runners-up respectively.
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