Bengaluru 5s take on Kolkata 5s, whilst Kochi 5s battle it out against Mumbai 5s on the Day 5 of Premier Futsal in Goa. Yesterday, Kolkata 5s and Goa 5s shared a point each, and Mumbai 5s beat Chennai 5s 4-1. That has obviously changed the equations for qualifying for the semi-finals.
A draw should be enough for Kochi 5s to see them through, whilst Kolkata 5s also need a point to guarantee a semi-final spot. Bengaluru 5s should at least get a point against Kolkata today to stand a chance of making it to the semi-finals. Things are starting to get exciting as we edge towards the end of the group stages.
Livestream and Kick-off time
Bengaluru 5s vs Kolkata 5s is scheduled to take place on July 19 at 7 pm, whilst Kochi 5s v Mumbai 5s will kick-off at 8:10 pm. Watch live streaming of both matches on SonyLiv. Follow live scores and commentary of the Premier Futsal League on Sportskeeda.
The match will be telecast live on Sony Six, Sony ESPN and Sony AATH. Both matches will be played at the Pedem Sports Complex in Goa.
Team News
Kolkata 5s skipper Hernan Crespo admitted he couldn’t play the entire game yesterday, due to a niggle, but should be fine for today. Crespo also raised fitness issues for other players. Pula has been the main man for Kolkata 5s, and has been in impressive form throughout the tournament. Carioca also found the back of the net yesterday, and could be decisive once again.
Paul Scholes has to play a key role today against an impressive Kolkata team. The Manchester United legend definitely knows a thing or two about playing in big games, and he could be crucial. Neto is out for Bengaluru due to an injury and has left for his homeland.
Ryan Giggs impressed for Mumbai 5s yesterday, and so did the rest of his team. Foglia has been in brilliant form and was also on the scoresheet in the last game. Angellot was also very lively against Chennai, and could make a difference.
Moraes has been the star man for Kochi till now, and they also have Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado in their ranks. Both Moraes and Salgado were on the scoresheet in the last game, whilst Chaguinha has also been in good touch.
Prediction
With Mumbai having reached the semi-finals, they might rest a couple of players, and that should give Kochi an advantage, helping them get the win. With Bengaluru needing a win to remain in contention, a win is very important. But with Neto not available, their team has been significantly weakened, and Kolkata should get the result and seal their semi-final spot.
Line-ups
Kolkata 5s Coach: Christian Roldan; Marquee player: Hernan Crespo; International futsallers: Cidao (GK), Pula, Gabriel, Vander Carioca, Majdoub Freestyler: Dida; Indian futsallers: Mohammedohamm Islam, Amit Pal (GK), Subrata Dey, Pradeep Shaw, Akshay Nair, Mayur Shellar
Bengaluru 5s Coach: Juan Jose Bernal Cierre; Marquee Player: Paul Scholes; International futsallers: Elias (GK), Maxi, Nabil, Anatoliy Freestyler: Easy Man; Indian futsallers: Zaib, Anto Rushith S, Jonathan, Abhishek R (GK), Sathya Kumar, Sai Nikhil
Mumbai 5s Coach: Felice Mastropiero; Marquee Player: Ryan Giggs; International futsallers: Luis Amado (GK), Foglia, Angellot, Ramirez, Federico Perez Freestyler: Pablo; Indian futsallers: Jo Paul Bence (GK), Chanpreet, Shubham Mane, Emmanuel, Akshay Nair, Shimyu
Kochi 5s Coach: Sergio Sapo; Marquee player: Michel Salgado; International futsallers: Casalone (GK), Chaguinha, Deivis Moraes, Gekabert Freestyler: Emil; Indian futsallers: Muhammad Ameer, Basil, Yashwant Kumar (GK), Ansh, Stalin Daniel, Anupam
