Goa: Exactly what will be in the minds of Kerala Blasters’ David James and Co. when they take on FC Goa at the Fatorda Jawaharlal stadium tonight? Reason is that FC Goa are being coached by none less than the redoubtable Arthur Antunes Coimbra better known as Zico who has proved his mettle as a player and a coach. Zico, who gently wore the moniker of King Cobra, is a master strategist. His tactics are sure to bring down any wild tusker. What remains to be seen is how the tuskers are going to surmount it.
Even though the Goans had tasted defeat at the hands of Blasters in Kochi, they are a different side today. The home crowd who asked, ‘Zico who?’ when Goa was routed in the first game, now stands dumbfounded. Goa’s ISL graph is like that. Goa, who suffered defeat after defeat and incurred the hate of everyone around, are today fourth in the points tally. Blasters are in third spot and the match is crucial for both teams' semifinal prospects.
Carnival
Football and feni are matters of personal pride for the Goans. It is no wonder that the ISL has become a rage among the Goans whose philosophy is summed up in the dictum, ‘down a couple of pegs of the local brew feni and go watch some football game’.
Figures and calculations
Blasters’ tally is 15 points from four wins and three draws in ten matches. They are third in the points table. A win or draw is inevitable today to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Blasters can take consolation in the fact that this is their last away game. The remaining three games are to be played in Kochi.
On the other hand Goa are with 12 points from three wins and three draws. Only two home matches, including today’s remain. The rest two are in rival territory. A win for Blasters will mean a safe perch at third position with 18 points. Goa can draw level with Kerala at 15 points if they win.
The story so far
Blasters, who won a mere four points from the first five games, stand tall in the ISL bagging eleven points from their next five games.
Goa’s run is similar too, having won just four points from the first five matches, the next five games fetched them eight points. Both are teams that have steadily risen to the top and have equal chances of making it to the semis.
Brazil or Kerala?
Zico’s strategy spells magic for Goa. Zico said on Tuesday night that they are hopeful after beating Pune in their last game.
Brazilian Andre Santos and Frenchman Gregory Arnolin fortify their defence. Reinforcing the midfield are Robert Pires and youngsters Jewel Raja, Alwyn George and Romeo. Experimenting in the frontline are Czech Republic’s Miroslav Slepicka, Miguel Herlein, Ranti Martins and Tolgay Ozbey.
It will be interesting to see what Zico, who did not play Pires in the last game, is up to in this big game.