Crystal Ball returns as we preview the matchups for the TAL Cup quarterfinals! Eight teams now remain from the initial 24 as we head into the quarterfinals of the inaugural edition of TAL Cup. All the teams deserve to be here after putting in strong displays in the group stage games.
The eight quarter finalists are defending league champions Parikrma, eternal title contenders Horizons, resilient Division 2 side Brunton, snazzy TAL veterans Yataghan, division 2 champions Emdee Al-Fateh, dark horse Gremio, the ever improving Athlos United and finally the most improved squad from last season Rare Dare FC.
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Quarterfinal 1: FC Brunton v Yataghan Internazionale
We expect a heated affair between two sides who would feel a semi-final berth is within their grasp. Brunton were not favourties to get out of the group and proved their critics wrong after gritty performances against both Sparta and Kougen Kikou in the group stage games.
Yataghan brought out their experience to draw against BFE United to keep their unbeaten record intact going into the quarterfinals. Both teams have good defences and we expect a low scoring game.
Crystal Ball: FC Brunton (0) – (1) Yataghan Internazionale
Quarterfinal 2: Parikrma FC v Horizons FC
The pick of the quarterfinal matches features defending league champions Parikrma and runners-up Horizons, in a mouthwatering clash. Parikrma just managed to get through, after a tough battle against Bengal, who lost out on qualification by a solitary goal.
Horizons had an easier route, scoring 6 goals in two games and conceding none.
Horizons will be on the lookout for retaliation after losing last season’s game, but a draw looks likely, which means we should see some penalty shootout action.
Crystal Ball: Parikrma FC (1) – (1) Horizons FC
(Parikrma to go through on penalties)
Quarterfinal 3: Emdee Al-Fateh v Gremio FC
Another intense clash follows when defending Division 2 league champions Emdee Al-Fateh take on eternal dark horses Gremio FC. Al-Fateh found the group stage games harder than they thought it would be, with both Mercurial and Diablos pushing them to the limits.
Gremio, on the other hand, coasted through their first game hitting 6 past Mavericks, while the game against Flipkart proved much more difficult, but they did pick up the three points.
We expect this to be an attacking game with both teams to come out all guns blazing from the start. Both their defenses are going to be tested to the maximum and a thoroughly entertaining game looks to be in store for us.
Crystal Ball: Emdee AL-Fateh (2) – (2) Gremio FC
(Al-Fateh to go through on penalties)
Quarterfinal 4: Athlos United v Rare Dare FC
The final game of the day has Athlos United pitted against Rare Dare FC in what should be a very even game. Athlos have added well to their squad over the off season and, despite missing a name or two, they seem to stronger than last season.
Rare Dare are also missing some names but have also added to their squad and will be looking to go on a long cup run. The team with the better strategy on the pitch will be the one going through to the semis, and we expect a very close match, one that is a tactical battle.
