Half-Time Report: Robin break-through gains Delhi an edge over Goa in first half

Starting Line-Ups:

Delhi Dynamos - Toni Doblas, Robin Singh, John Arne Riise, Chicao, Robert Lalthlamuana, Florent Malouda, Adil Nabi, Sehnaj Singh, Gustavo Marmentini, Anas Anas, Shylo Malsawmtluanga

FC Goa - Laxmikant Kattimani, Lucio, Gregory Arnolin, Narayan Das, Raju Gaikwad, Pronay Halder, Jofre, Leo Moura, Jonatan Lucca, C.S. Sabeeth, Reinaldo

AN ALL-IMPORTANT Robin Singh goal got Delhi Dynamos a 1-0 lead in the first half of the first leg of their ISL semi-final encounter with FC Goa at home. 

Unsurprisingly, both teams featured a number of changes from their previous match, the last regular season game which they played against each other at this very venue. Delhi coach Roberto Carlos decided to bring back Toni Doblas in goal in goal instead of Sanjiban Ghosh. Chicao, Gustavo, Anas Edathodika, Shylo and Sehnaj Singh also made it back to the squad the Dynamos' very first appearance in the ISL playoffs.

Zico also changed his custodian. Laxmikant Kattimani replaced Elinton Andrade in the FC Goa starting eleven. Raju Gaikwad, Arnolin, Leo Moura, Sabeeth and Narayan Das were also given a start on this momentous occasion.

The match began with Delhi showing some early aggression, in good and bad ways. Sehnaj Singh blatantly kicked Jofre and was lucky to get away without a booking. Then a Narayan Das clearance was intercepted by Malouda who fired away towards the target but the ball was just too high.

Goa had a great chance to get ahead when Jofre sent in a cross from the left flank that fell to Sabeeth who should had a wide open net in front of him but headed it over. 

The first card of the game came out one third into the half when Robert Lalthlamuana brought down Raju Gaikwad.

John Arne Riise caused some early drama when he went down like he got shot when Arnolin barely brushed past him. Leo Moura got agitated by it and ran in but others calmed him down. Riise made his case to the referee with much melodrama but got waved off. 

A good cross from Sehnaj Singh got intercepted by Arnolin who tried to clear it but it reached Chicao who took a shot at the goal but it was off target. 

A good battle of the midfields ensued but Delhi retained most of the possession and were constantly looking more dangerous. But it wasn't a domination; there were counter attacks and engrossing end to end action. 

Raju Gaikwad picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Romeo Fernandes. Romeo immediately tried to make a run up the but Robert got in his way. 

Adil Nabi made a threatening run and passed the ball to Gustavo who let fly with his left foot but it went wide. The half was coming to a close but Delhi were making more and more inroads into Goa's goalmouth.

And then came the break-through; from the very first attempt by either team that was actually on target. Gustavo's pass to Chicao saw the Brazillian defender send a slightly elevated cross into the FC Goa box. Robin Singh's header slammed the ball onto the ground, from where it found the net on the bounce. Delhi Dynamos were leading 1-0.

There were cheers all around and Roberto Carlos pumped his fist. Chicao got over-excited with his assist and fouled Jofre to get booked. But the crucial lead had been achieved; Delhi players walked out of the pitch on half-time with a one goal advantage over their opponents.

The Dynamos have never beaten FC Goa before. And they won't get a better chance, or platform, to turn that around.