TEAM ANALYSIS: With a well-rounded Brazilian- heavy squad, Goa promises strong display

IN THE RECENT ISL Media Event, Zico was asked time and again about his declared intentions of running for the post of FIFA President next year. But a resolute Zico did not say much, giving some general replies via his translator. At one point he dropped that all and drew a line in the sand in broken English, 

"No FIFA now... now ISL, FIFA after."

While this will bring relief to the FC Goa fans that the Brazilian legend has his focus firmly on their team, this also raises the potential that this season may be his last season coaching at FC Goa. And he has gone all out to use this campaign to establish a lasting legacy at FC Goa, which would make for a fitting prelude to his stint as the guardian of world football. 

And to achieve that he has brought to FC Goa a host of Brazilian players who will play a major role in every every section of the line-up. Maybe they might outnumber the Indians at times. 

Last year, FC Goa put up the most balanced performance in the tournament. They finished the regular season with the highest goal differece in ISL (+9) and finished one point below table toppers Chennaiyin FC. In the semi-finals against Atletico de Kolkata, matches on both legs ended 0-0, and the Kolkata side came out on top in penalties. 

And that was in the season of self-discovery. They had a marquee that failed in Robert Pires. The majority of their Indian players came from Dempo, with whom Dempo subsequently got relegated. At times they had Tolgay Ozbey playing alongside Andre Santos. Things were not exactly top in terms of balance, but they soldiered it out. The foreigners, of course, got most of the goals. The Indians mostly guarded their half of the pitch. The only Indian attacker who featured heavily was right winger Romeo Fernandes. 

This time, though, Goa have gone out and purchased forwards like Thongkhosiem Haokip, Chinadorai Sabeeth,

and Victorino Fernandes. Although these players probably won't be the lynchpins of the final third, their presence in the squad brings depth; Zico can commit to defending heavily if the situation so demands. 

While FC Goa's Brazilians are diverse in terms of positions, talent and experience, the team's non-Brazilians also have a lot to bring to the table. Scottish forward Darryl Duffy has been playing in India for more that two years at Salgaocar. His knowledge of the Indian condition and quality makes him valuable. Then there's the French defender Gregory Arnolin who is a dependable presence at the back, and a good partner for marquee player Lucio. And medio Jofre, who played 12 matches for Atletico de Kolkata, is another player with proven effectiveness in ISL. All in all, the squad didn't look nearly as well rounded last year. 

And what's better is that the team got heavily tested by top division clubs from the Gulf during their pre-season training in Dubai. The newly-formed squad more than held the pre-season friendlies they played over there and even managed to win a couple of them, against clubs playing in the top division of a country that often makes it to the World Cup. The feat is impressive, without doubt, and raises a lot of hope about FC Goa's upcoming ISL campaign. 

Backed by a loyal group of fans who make every single home game an event to remember, FC Goa have had one of the best first season experiences among all ISL franchises. Their journey so far has every sign of the beginnings of a football team that becomes integral to the identity of a region and its people. That's one of the reasons why Zico wants to succeed so bad this season; if FC Goa win the ISL this season, their coach will forever be remembered as the man who got this historic sporting institution up and running from scratch. And that will be one hell of a final act before running for FIFA President, as a man of the grass and mud, who has not only been one of the best ever as a player, but also an inspirational leader who can build anew FIFA's good image in front of the football lovers of the world.