With just 11 points from 11 games, FC Goa had to win their last three games at any given cost if they were to progress to the semifinal stage of this season’s ISL. On the other hand were an offensive opponent, arriving with a purpose of securing three points and to establish themselves a semi-final spot for the third consecutive season.
Goa had never won against the inaugural winners since season one, and the 18,000 fans that flocked the Fatorda Stadium were hoping for a day where the jinx would finally break.
As the final whistle blew, there was absolute silence amongst the crowd, shattered to see their team’s qualification hopes dangling by a thread. The same men in blue that reached the finals last year failed miserably to keep the hopes alive.
Atletico de Kolkata dominated the first half as Belencoso opened the scoring for the visitors before an inspired second half performance got the crowd back on their feet through Mandar granting the Gaurs an equaliser. But a winning goal by Steve Pearson in the dying minutes of the match buried Goa’s qualification hopes. Here are five things we learned from the match.
#1 Kattimani saves Goa the blushes
To keep an offensive ATK side at bay between the sticks, in a must win game, was never an easy challenge. The Dempo FC keeper made a couple of saves in the first half to keep the home side in the game and cleared out danger even at times when captain Gregory Arnolin failed to. It was indeed Kattimani’s alertness and reflexes that saved Goa from a defeat that could have been much worse.
There’s nothing much he could do about the two goals that the Gaurs conceded, but whether it was clearing a ball out with his legs or not hesitating to make a couple of dives here and there, Kattimani’s performance should not go unappreciated.
#2 Atletico’s defensive woes continue
One thing Jose Molina has always prioritised about is his brand of attacking football. It was easy to witness in the game as well, as the visitors could have opened the scoring as early as seven minutes, only to be denied by Kattimani.
The men in white and red completely outplayed the Goans with a 76% possession in the first half along with a composed defence. They didn’t allow Goa any chances to penetrate into the 30-yard box, trapping them offside on a couple of instances.
But they failed to replicate the first half dominance, with Goa testing them on many occasions for a much-needed goal. Although they decided to sit back and cut out danger, the mistake of allowing the home team to get into good positions cost them the clean sheet, despite Goa having a lot of lusty blows off target.
#3 Postiga’s bluntness – Not what Atletico needed upfront
Playing behind striker Juan Belencoso, Helder Postiga had a game to forget. While injuries of late have troubled the Portuguese, there have been signs that age is getting the better of him. Since Ian Hume was forced to sit out of the starting 11 due to a slight niggle, Postiga failed to provide ATK with the swiftness and sharpness that the Canadian offered.
Postiga failed to link up with Ruidas, who kept putting in pinpoint crosses from the left side of the flank.
The most he did on the night was an opportunity from a corner which he headed, only to see it hit the post. But if the former Porto man needs to find his form back, he needs to keep getting a lot of playing time.
#4 A spirited fightback from Goa’s young gems
While Jofre pulled strings in the middle of the park and pushed forward in the first half, FC Goa did not have enough men to advance ahead as they were outnumbered in defence. After a frustrating first half show, it was Goa’s local boys Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes that were the driving force behind the Gaurs inspired second half performance.
They were much better in taking on the ATK defenders with their pace, movements and precise passing compared to the first half, where they were good on the ball and in possession but delivered inaccurate passes in the final third.
Romeo Fernandes came close to finding the equaliser with an off-foot shot that curled just inches wide of the post before Mandar’s calm finish gave them a much-deserved equaliser. Romeo and Mandar’s short stints in Brazil and Spain respectively has helped them a lot.
5) What is Jofre’s best position?
Let’s get it straight, the Spaniard has been under a lot of pressure, taking up multiple positions in the midfield. While he thrived in a 3-5-2 formation playing as a central midfielder and linked up well with number 10 Leo Moura, Jofre’s undefined position in the midfield this season has not seen him step up to his potential.
Manager Zico has switched players around and the La Masia graduate has played wherever he has been asked to and has given the best for his team.
Today was also another example of how Jofre can lose his way up front without any support as Trindade Goncalves failed to help him. The former Atletico de Kolkata man was often dispossessed, made the wrong passes and failed to register shots on target.
