The performance of Kerala Blasters in the second half of the Thursday’s Indian Super League (ISL) match against Pune City FC in Kochi was incredible. If they had displayed such an attitude and spirit in the previous matches, the team should have been sitting pretty on top of the points table.
Pune, who came into the match as the second-placed team in the table, were completely outsmarted by Blasters in the second half.
Blasters, who showed a lack of intent and confidence in the first half, came strongly after the break. They turned the match on its head and fired up the atmosphere inside the stadium.
The main architect of that transformation was newly recruited Ugandan midfielder Keziron Kizito, who replaced Dimitar Berbatov in the second half.
It was quite an amazing performance from the youngster. He impressed with his ball skills and accurate passing. In fact, it was his introduction which turned out to be the game changer.
Not big names, but the team require such players who can effectively execute the coach’s game plan on the pitch.
Berbatov is a legend in his own right, but once again his performance was pretty insipid. Speed is important in football, but he was rusty and seen strolling around the field for the majority of the game.
Considering the exceptional skills and vast experience he possesses, Berbatov was expected to play an influential role and motivate the entire team, but, unfortunately, that did not happen.
Blasters were lucky to concede only one goal with such a woeful performance in the first half. But, at the end of the second half, Pune City might have heaved a collective sigh of relief.
The arrival of David James, who guided Blasters to the final in the inaugural ISL edition, in place of an unsuccessful coach, would have boosted the team’s morale.
It was a very positive result, and with the league reaching almost the halfway point, this hard-fought draw against a strong opponent should give Blasters the confidence to get their campaign back on track.
(The writer is a former captain of the Indian football team)
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