Backed by a boisterous home support, FC Goa will look to overcome their slender first leg deficit when they hosts Delhi Dynamos for the second time in the season at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday. FC Goa will look to book a place in the final of the Hero Indian Super League, which is scheduled to be held in Goa.
The Guars had suffered a major heartbreak last season in the semi-final stage after being knocked out by the eventual champions Atletico de Kolkata on a nervy penalty shootout, and will hope to put that behind them with a victory over the Lions.
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FC Goa chief coach Zico, who had continued from last season, believes despite the changes in their team during the offseason, last seasona s experience will help them to see through the match despite their narrow defeat in Delhi.
a It was a good match as both the teams played equally. We did well to soak the pressure until defender Raju Gaikwad got injured and they took the advantage and scored against us in the dying minutes of the first half, which ultimately remained the match winner.a
Zico, though, expects his teama s forward to reduce their profligacy in the second leg of the semi finals, as he reminded his team of the possible consequences during the pre match press conference
“Just like them we too had chances to find the equaliser but our players failed to cash in. But tomorrow we need to remain more sharp in shooting if we are to win and qualify for the finals.a
FC Goa have been riddled with injuries this season and the second leg of the semi finals proves to be no different, as the Brazilian is forced to make atleast two changes to his lineup with Reinaldo and Raju Gaikwad, both unavailable for the match. Rafael Coelho is expected to regain a spot in the starting eleven after making a recovery from his injury.
Zico, though, was quite tight-lipped when pressed about the difference between the two sides since their opening game at Fatorda, a Nothing much has changed. Both have the same players and if I can see any change, ita s just that the players are a little bit tired.a
Meanwhile Delhi Dynamos, who had quite a few opportunities to finish off the game in the first leg itself, will hope that they dona t come to rue the missed opportunities. The Lionsa coach Roberto Carlos promised an attacking approach from his team in the pre match press conference, despite Delhi Dynamosa low goal scoring approach in the league stage.
a My team will always attack. The formation will always be attacking. It will be almost the same. We will shoot on goal.
a My players are all motivated and ready to take on Goan side and looking for entertaining contest. Our boys have learnt from their mistakes in their earlier two matches which we have played against them and were able to beat them in the last match. The players are motivated and confident. We have to set up some details for this match and then we are ready. Ita s our most important match,a said Carlos.
The former Brazilian left back went on to add, a Our boys need to remain focussed and give their best tomorrow. With Gustavo Santos, Florent Malouda, Richard Gadze and Chicao, who all play attacking game, I am confident to win tomorrow.”
Image Courtesy: ISL Media