Goa played their hearts out. An amazing game. In fact, they showed the Kerala Blasters how to play the game. They deserve praise for playing with such confidence in Kochi, the most intimidating venue in the ISL.
Even their defense had a solid outing. While their attack has garnered praise, the feeling was that Goa's defense was on the weaker side. On Sunday, the Goan defense dispelled those notions, playing out with one-touch football from the back, sapping out any remaining confidence in the Blasters players.
For the 'manjappada' however, a glorious opportunity to get into the top four in the table has gone begging. Apart from some tidy work around the time of their first half goal, the Blasters were never in the picture. Playing their fourth game in 10 days, the Blasters could not bring out their pressing game in front of expectant fans. The first Goa goal seemed to wake the hosts up a bit. Vineeth's goal came as a result of that reaction.
Unfortunately, that intensity could not be maintained and the fitness of the Blasters team came under the scanner particularly in the second half. The team is letting precious points at home slip away, considering that only two out of the remaining six games are in Kochi. The Blasters need to win every game from here on and hope for results going their way elsewhere to stay in the playoff picture.
(The author is a former Indian football captain)