ISL: Round 1 Review

The Indian Super League kicked-off on the 12th of October, marked by an opening ceremony which included high profile player, celebrities and actors, such as Alessandro del Piero, Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan, respectively. The Inaugural Ceremony’s razzmatazz and fanfare, did total justice to anticipation of the Indian Crowd, longing for this Super League to start.

90 Minutes after the opening ceremony, came the first shock of the Super League season, as ‘title contenders’ Mumbai City FC lost 3-0 to a Atletico de Kolkata side, riding high on home support. With the Super League coming into the business end, Atletico de Kolkata gathered all three points and stepped up to a first position, while Mumbai City FC, succumbed last, thanks to their -3 Goal Difference, a sight which would not change, come the end of Round 1.

Atletico de Kolkata, infused with their brand of ‘fatafati football’ did justice to the prayer’s of thousands of Bengalis as 27 minutes from kickoff, Fikru converted a cheeky through ball by Luis Garcia, into a delightful chip, to beat Subrata Pal. Deep into the second half, Borja, sent a screamer flying into the far right corner, as Atletico de Kolkata led 2-0 by Ai??perhaps the best Goal of Round 1. A Arnal goal, into injury time, announced the arrival of Atletico de Kolkata into the Indian Super League, as the Sourav Ganguly owned franchisee won 3-0 against Ranbir Kapoor’s Mumbai City FC.

Right from Raju Gaikwad playing as a Wing back to Didika operating as a forward, nothing went right for the Peter Reid managed side. A curious case of failed Tactical implementations, led Mumbai City FC to their maiden loss. However, with both Nicolas Anelka and Freddie Ljungberg, not featuring in their inaugural match, the grass looks much greener as Mumbai City will look to snatch all three points from FC Pune City, come Round 2.

Meanwhile, FC Pune City traveled to the capital, New Delhi, to partake in a fixture hyped by David Trezeguet vs Alessandro del Piero. The match which featured a dominant Delhi team in the first half, jotting down passes with combination plays, was equally disappointing to watch in the second half, as both teams safeguarded their chances and aimed for contained game. Still, the Delhi contingent tested Pune FC’s goalkeeper Emanuelle Belardi, with regular shots and substitute Gustavo Marmentino, came close in stealing a 90th minute winner, as he hit the left post of the goal.

While FC Pune City lined up in a 5-3-2, led by the defensive pairing of Cirillo and Magliocchetti, and made their intentions clear. Delhi Dyanmos fared in a 4-3-3 formation, in a match with concluded with neither team finding the net. A point each for both the teams, means a mid table position and a chance to capitalize in their first wins, as Delhi take on Atletico de Kolkata and FC Pune City take on Mumbai City FC, as both team play away from home.

Perhaps the peak of quality play in ISL Round 1, reached, when FC Goa played hosts to Chennaiyin FC. A match dubbed as ‘Attack vs Defense’, captivated thousands of Indians, as the defense ultimately triumphed the attack 2-1. With Chennaiyin FC boasting and lining up in a resolute 5-3-2, with Mikael Silvestre at the heart of defense, Robert Pires’s FC Goa found it hard to break the organised defensive cover. A match with started with FC Goa attacking from the first minute itself, concluded with Chennaiyin FC playing on counters and excelling in their defensive duties.

The fixture also witnessed first goals by an Indian, Balwant Singh and by a Marquee Player, Elano, who both ply their trade for Chennai. A scrappy 31st minute goal, after a cross from the right flank, made Balwant the first Indian to score in the Super League. Nine minutes later, Elano converted a spot kick near the 18 yard region, beautifully into the right corner, dubbing him as the first marquee player to score a goal. However, FC Goa regathered troops, and a 63rd minute goal by Center Back Arnolin, reduced the deficit by one. FC Goa travel to Guwahati next, while Chennaiyin FC play hosts to Kerala Blasters, in the first South Indian Derby.

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters took on NorthEast United as they scrapped past the highlanders, in a 1-0 win.Ai??The match didnai??i??t see too much happening in the first half, apart from a few tame attempts from both sides. Durga Boro got everyone out of their seats with an incredible long range effort, only to be denied by James with a fantastic save. Koke scored the only goal of the game as he took advantage of a scrappy Blasters clearance, and drove his shot, past David James. North East United who took on Atletico de Kolkata yesterday, succumbed to a 2-0 loss, whilst remaining stranded at their third position.

Team Of Round 1

With a majority of players coming from the winning franchisees of Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC, the team also flaunts a handful of marquee players, captained by Robert Pires.

Two Clean Sheets in Two Games, assures Atletico de Kolkata’s Goalkeeper Subhsish Roy as the guardian between the sticks. His impressive reflexes and saves, were showcased for all to see in their first fixture against Mumbai City FC. Arnab Mondal and Chennaiyin FC’s Gouramangi Singh, start as the center back duo. Both, were solid and resolute in their respective fixtures, while the former marked his opponents to perfection, the latter displayed pure acumen and understanding. Atletico de Kolkata’s Denzil Franco and Biswajit Saha, constitute the Right and Left back positions, respectively. Both Franco and Saha, impressed the critics, with their contained play, tracking back wingers to near perfection, as well as providing passing options for the midfielders, with their forwards runs.

Delhi Dynamo’s Hans Mulder and FC Goa’s Marcelino, starts as Defensive Midfielders. Mulder, who captivated the Delhi crowd by his decent performance against FC Pune City, has developed a penchant for long shots and hard tackles. Meanwhile, Marcelino, provides the extra pace, finesse and trickery, all of which, was evident when FC Goa played Chennaiyin FC.

The Attacking trio of Robert Pires, Luis Garcia and Elano, justified their position in the team, with Robert Pires linking play, providing decent balls in and creating space for others to operate. With Luis Garcia comes accurate defense splitting balls, the Spanish International has so far been the best player to watch in the Super League, providing assists for team-mate Fikru time again. Elano, who became the first marquee player to score a goal, brings Brazilian flair to the table. A free kick expert, Elano justified his inclusion with the first free kick goal against FC Goa.

The line is led by Atletico de Kolkata’s inspirational Fikru. Fikru has so far scored two goals in two games, and is looking to take the Super League by storm. The Nigerian, has displayed his hold-up play along with trickery and suitable finishing to his fullest.