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Delhi Dynamos host FC Goa in the first leg of their semi-final on the 11th of December in what will be the first semi-final of this season’s Indian Super League.
The team from the capital will be hoping that their home support helps them get the advantage over the Goa outfit while the table-toppers Goa will be counting on their consistency to get them through.
Record during the group stages
This semi-final matchup is one that is very intriguing and sees two teams that have very contrasting styles. Delhi, coached by marquee player-manager Roberto Carlos are a defensive outfit, who rely on their strong defense to be the base for anything good.
Of the 4 teams in the semi-finals, Delhi scored the least, hitting the back of the net only 18 times in 14 matches and conceded 20 goals. Though the team had the best defensive record for most of the group stages, their last few matches saw them lose their swagger in defense, and so they ended the group stages with the joint most goals conceded by any of the semi-finalists.
FC Goa, on the other hand, are the team that play the most complete football in the league and were on top of the table at the end of the group stages. Zico’s outfit is full of players who look to attack given any chance and will attempt to continue in the same vein in the semi-final too.
Having scored the most in the league, 29, they will fancy their chances while taking on the Delhi defence and would be optimistic of preventing the Delhi attackers from getting many goalscoring opportunities.
Road to the semi-finals
The teams followed interesting paths to the knockout stages. The Dynamos were lodged in the top 2 positions for most of the group stages as their solid defence helped them shut out opponents effectively while they ensured they got the crucial goal to win the game.
After accumulating 12 points from their first 6 matches, the team then struck a rough patch, taking only 10 points from the remaining 8. Apart from finding it tough to score goals consistently, the team also have to address issues in defence to ensure they return to their stingy best.
Goa had more of a mixed start to the season, taking home only 10 points from a possible 18 from their 6 matches. They then continued that form throughout the season, ensuring they lost only once more in the remaining 8 matches.
The team played good attacking football, coupled with good defensive work when needed and are probably the most well-rounded team in the final four. With their refreshing approach to the game, they will look to hit the ground running and take at least a point from the first leg in Delhi.
Key players to watch out for
Florent Malouda in midfield has been very important for Delhi as he is the man who has connected attack and defence very well. His vision and ability to pick the right pass has helped the team’s forwards score goals at important times, while the fact that he supports his defence too has given more protection to the back four.
The Delhi defence was, as an outfit, probably the most compact and solid in the league, during the group stages. Though they found it tough in the last couple of matches, they will look to reclaim their solidity in the semi-final. Souvik and Adinga in the full-back positions, along with Anas Edathodika and John Arne Riise will try and keep Goa attacks to a minimum.
Gadze and Robin Singh upfront will be their striking options and the Roberto Carlos side will be hoping that they make the most of the chances they get.
FC Goa rely heavily on Leo Moura, the man who keeps their midfield ticking. The Brazilian’s ability to play multiple positions and find his teammates is very good, and Goa will be looking to capitalise on that. Lucca provides a good shield in midfield, allowing Moura to do what he does best.
Mandar and Romeo on the wings offer much-needed thrust and pace and have both had pretty decent seasons. Lucio has been quite solid in the centre of defence and has played well in partnership with Gregory Arnolin.
The team haven’t depended on any single striker so far and the goals have been well distributed, with Reinaldo leading the pack with 7.
Head-to-head record
The two teams faced off twice during the league stages with Goa winning comfortably against Delhi at home 2-0 while they inflicted defeat on the Dynamos in the away leg, coming from behind to win 3-2.
Considering that that was the last match of the group stages and the first loss for the Delhi franchise at home, it came at a really good time for the Goan team, giving them some much-needed confidence ahead of the semi-finals.
Predictions
Going by both the teams’ run of form, Zico’s FC Goa hold an advantage over Roberto Carlos’ Delhi Dynamos and should be able to get the win 3-1 on aggregate over the course of the two legs over the Dynamos.
Delhi Dynamos 1-1 FC Goa (1st leg)
FC Goa 2-0 Delhi Dynamos (2nd leg)
