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This match was easily the biggest football match of the year in the Indian domestic circuitA sensational last minute goal from super-sub Mohammed Rafique gave Atletico de Kolkata a 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters and the maiden ISL title in the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Saturday.Despite commanding the game for large portions, Kerala Blasters finish the 2014 season as only runners-up.Here are the biggest 5 incidents from the final match.
#1 Antonio Lopez Habas super-sub seals the match for Atletico de Kolkata
Super sub Mohammad Rafique’s late winner seals the fate of Atletico De Kolkata. Rafique, who replaced Mohammad Rafi in the second half, scored the winner in the dying minutes of the match from a header.
Atletico won a corner in the 92nd minute. Jakub Podany’s swerving corner was guided home by the Indian midfielder. Rafique’s header proved detrimental for Kerala’s title hopes. Kerala Blasters’ marquee player and manager David James was faulty of conceding a sloppy goal at the first post.
#2 Atletico De Kolkata opted for a defensive strategy yet again
Atletico De Kolkata manager Antonio Lopez Habas yet again opted for a counter attacking strategy. His safety first policy ultimately proved a grand success for the team as they clinched the first ever Hero Indian Super League title, but their game style was not at all attractive.
Kerala Blasters dominated almost the entire proceedings be it possession or the attacking index. Kolkata on the other hand defended commendably and attacked carefully. Never did we find more than four attackers in the attacking third of Kerala Blasters.
#3 Arnal Llibert in place of Luis Garcia was not a great move
Antonio Lopez Habas left out marquee player and Captain Luis Garcia from the starting eleven and fielded forward Arnal Llibert instead in the starting XI. Llibert who is actually a striker never looked comfortable in his new position of an attacking midfielder.
The 34-year-old Spanish striker never generated quality moves and was unconvincing in his new position. Garcia’s presence would have improved the quality of their game and they could have played a much more attractive game.
#4 Apoula Edel Bete was unbeatable between the goal post
Apoula Edel Bete was undoubtedly the best player in Atletico De Kolkata colours. His safe pair of hands actually saved the day for the first ever Hero Indian Super League champions.
The Armenian goalkeeper has performed brilliantly throughout the tournament. He also was instrumental in the semi finals to guide his team to victory against FC Goa. Bete’s super save in the ending moments of the game actually decided the fate of the match.
Chopra was just a few yards away from the goal. The ex-Sunderland forward jolted a shot which magnificently saved by the Kolkata custodian with his outstretched left hand.
#5 Kerala dominated the game but failed to generate positive chances
It is safe to say that Kerala Blasters were the better side today. They dominated possession, and played a much more attacking football than Atletico de Kolkata. Kerala Blasters’ midfielders took the entire control of midfield from the very first minute. Kolkata were forced to play a defensive style of game to counter their opponent’s style.
The only thing which actually went against the Kerala Blasters side was their ability to produce quality and positive chances. Their attacking style never actually had any positive impact as the two strikers Iain Hume and Michael Chopra were wasteful.
Chopra was faulty at several occasions of not finding the back of the net. Chopra’s last minute attempt from just 3 or 4 yards away from the goal was brilliantly saved by Apoula Edel Bete. Overall Kerala’s wasteful performance costed them their first ever Hero Indian Super League title.
