ISL 2017: FC Goa vs Delhi Dynamos FC – The duels to watch out for

THE 2^nd duel of a Spanish Inquisition takes place tonight in the Capital with the FC Goa vs Delhi Dynamos seemingly carrying an El Classic Flavour to it. Lobera’s Barcelona background has been well documented while Miguel Portugal has represented Real Madrid as a player and Technical Director. In fact, it’s a case of what might have been for Portugal in the Autumn of 2008 when he was set to take over at the club as coach following the sacking of Bernd Schuster, but President Ramón  Calderon went for an alternate choice.

FC Goa is on a roll playing an entertaining brand of attacking football while although FC Delhi under Portugal have been set up with a similar philosophy of playing from the back and initiate a passing game, the similarities between the two sides more or less ends over there. FC Goa as a well oiled offensive machine in its front three boasts a high conversion rate of the opportunities it has created while Delhi have not been able to do so with their chances barring their game against Pune. 

The game pits the ISL’s 2^nd best team vs the 2^ND Last team so FC Goa go in to the game as heavy favourites though there will be key match ups that will influence the game one way or the other.

#7 Lallianzuala Chhangte vs #20 Sariton Fernandes

As a neutral, the ISL has thrown some good national level talent which bodes well for the Country’s football team. I love Chhangte’s game. He is quick, skilful and has an eye for goal. As a left winger, I feel his talent is not fully maximised by Portugal. If played as a 2^nd forward in a 4-4-2, he would perfectly complement Uche’s power.  If Delhi is to get anything out of the game then Chhangte will be crucial. Standing in his way will be local boy Sariton who has had good tournament so far. He has kept opposing wingers on the left wing fairly quiet and has the potential to be a good full back in the country.

#8 Coro vs #5 Pratik Chowdhary

There aren’t many superlatives left to shower Coro with. He has gone to be lynchpin of Lobera’s offensive power. The well timed runs, sense of timing and being in the right spots are things that cannot be taught as they are a Forward’s instincts while his finishing has been top draw. Coro’s battle with Pratik may more or less settle the game. Pratik is a strapping young center back with a lot of potential but has had his moments of struggle. If he continues to work on his game in aspects of positioning on crosses and clearer choice on the pass from the back,, he will go on to reach Jhingan’s level. But he will have to be on top of his game from start to finish as Coro will look to run off his shoulder at every opportunity.

#5 Ahmed Jahouh vs #8 Paulino Dias

Delhi’s only win came off FC Pune and Paulino was at the heart of two well taken goals. On their 1^st goal he pressed the CB Gurtej, trapping the ball and promptly recycled possession through the left flank before making a darting run in to the box for the quality headed goal. Similarly for the 2^nd goal, He cunningly pressed and picked Gurtej’s pocket again at the center line to lay the ball for Chhangte to score a peach. As FC Goa’s passing game is initiated by Jahouh. Paulino will look to target Jahouh who has done a good job at making Lobera’s build-up game from the back a much easier task.

#9 Kalu Uche vs #37 Mohd Ali

Portugal has used Kalu has a false number 9, opting to have him drop in the hole and make runs in order to utilise his physicality and strength in the air. FC Goa’s defense hasn’t been tested much on crosses but Kalu will present a challenge that they will need to respect. Mohd Ali as the central defender will have to thwart Kalu on set pieces.

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