#TFGtake- Reflections on FC Goa's flurry of glorious goals against Delhi Dynamos

Reflecting on the FC Goa’s game in Delhi over the weekend and I could  type a few words on the lines of Lanza’s wonder goal, stop, pull out a bottle of Campo Viejo Rioja, sit back and just enjoy the good Spanish wine over replays of that goal. Not too long ago, football fans among the privileged few in the country did book International holidays and tickets to Europe in order to watch such good quality. But thanks to ISL & a good extent that of FC Goa Spanish Coach Lobera’s philosophies borne on the training grounds in Barcelona and the adventurous manner he has set out his team to play in a manner that has been a breath of fresh air to the League.

The 5-1 thumping of Delhi Dynamos placed Goa at the top and is now easily looking like one of the hot favourites to win it all. There would be some sympathy for Delhi. They did manage to make a good fist of it right up till end of regular playing time leading half time until an unforced error by the incoming GK Sukdev allowed Coro to score a poacher’s goal and if that was deflating, then what followed was backbreaker to their fragile confidence. Lanza had the audacity to even attempt a lob above the goal keeper in the range of 25 yards but such is the confidence and quality that he possesses, by producing one of the best goals I have witnessed across all leagues in Europe this week. 

I have seen three fantastic chipped goals namely Philipe Albert vs Man Utd, David Beckham vs Wimbeldon both in 1996 and our very own Vijayan’s reverse bycycle kick in the Nehru Cup. But while Albert and Beckham, had the momentum of their run, time and couple of touches on ball in front of them, the degree of difficulty on Lanza’s shot is worth mentioning as he had to execute the lob on the turn barely lifting his head in the process to have a sight on goal.

Manuel Lanzarote picked his spot and launched an outrageous effort from distance! Is his strike your choice for the Fans' Goal of the Week?

Vote here: https://t.co/tb3zhIEAcy#HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/YqovALD3JH

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 19, 2017

Delhi to their credit did pull a goal back. A quickly taken set piece caught the left side off guard for Romeo to lay it nicely for Uche to pounce. But then a contentious moment followed that reduced them to 10 men and battled bravely until the floodgates opened from the 82nd minute. An unfortunate own goal followed by two well taken the goals sealed the deal for FC Goa. The finish by Colunga on the run for his first goal was pure class.

The offensive firepower at Lobera’s disposal would be the envy of his rivals. I had queried after the Kerala game that as lethal the front line of Brandon, Coro and Lanza was, how would they cope if opposing coaches set their midfielders and defense to be more compact and narrow in order to negate Brandon and Lanza’s inverted movements that has created good chances for them. Would they able to be more penetrative if forced out wide on the flanks and would Lobera in that case have a Plan B? The game in a way answered the question even when his best striker Coro has to be withdrawn due to injury, in came Colunga whose mazy runs and fantastic link up with Arana on the right wing ran the Delhi team ragged. Not many have the ability to initiate a quick 1-2 and cut into the box with low center of gravity. Most would have lost balance and control of their shot but the piece of skill by Colunga on the exchange with Lanza on the 64th minute was simply exquisite. 

So with an attack so ruthless and varied, can we gift wrap the title and announce them as winners now? Of course not. There are still couple of chinks in the armour. Kattimani is looking for more consistency while their left wing still presents an area of interest for pacy wingers to exploit. Udanta, Jackichand and Nico have fully capitalised the space available and inability to track their runs en route to goal. Even against Delhi, Narayan lost his marker on couple of occasions. So there is room for improvement for sure. 

But I like any fan is happy with this team, given the forgetful previous season the team had. A lot of credit should go to management and the coaching team to get things right on and off the pitch to foster a strong young team with great camaraderie. Lobera has moulded his team in his vision where I have seen others try and spectacularly fail. The fact he has done it in such a short time in a new environment is even more commendable.

Recollecting my childhood, a lot of us kids went with our fathers to local Salgaocar – Dempo Derbies more so to cherish moments of family bonding. The standard was never World Class but there is no better experience than that of a father clenching the hands of his son leading him through to the steps of a stadium and cheering his favourite team. And as the standards fell, some walked away and some of us followed the tradition as Adults of attending games only out of sentiment but ISL and FC Goa has given the game in the country a shot in the arm and long may this continue.

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