'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League ensued, there was this growing sense of enthusiasm in the national capital. The Dynamos, rejuvenated and restructured had developed a brimming fan following and as anticipated people thronged in massive numbers to support their team. While the first home game against the Mariners from Chennai was attended by a 18000 strong crowd, the second against North East United saw a record 25000 odd turnout.
Over the last few fixtures though, the turnout has dipped; especially today against fellow knock out contenders Pune City FC, it was a paltry 10000. As I managed to track some of the fans hovering around the venue earlier today, lack of goals and a general lack of connect with the franchisee were cited as reasons for the dip. Seems Roberto Carlos and his pupils gauged the sentiment and stepped on field today with a new found zeal. The result- a resounding 3-0 win and ascend to second in the points table.
Reshuffling in the Starting XI
Earlier in the day, David Platt induced four changes in Pune City’s starting XI - Gouramangi Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Wesley Verhoek and Kalu Uche came in while Gurjinder Singh, James Bailey, Bikash Jairu and Tuncay Sanli were relegated to the bench. The hosts too, opted to tinker with their squad, as Vinicius and Adil Nabi were brought in for Gustavo Dos Santos and Hans Mulder.
First Half | Delhi stamp authority on game
From the onset, the hosts made their intent clear of forcing a result. While custodian Arindam Bhattacharya thwarted early efforts from Gustavo Dos Santos and Robin Singh, the Pune defence continued to look fragile, especially off set pieces.
Delhi however didn't relent and scored twice within five minutes as the half neared its close. The goals, both converted off precise Florent Malouda corner kicks came were scored by Adil Nabi and Anas Edathodika.
Pune could have pulled a goal back minutes later as Shorey's cross for Uche was punched away feebly by Doblas; Verhoek however couldn't slot into an empty net.
Second Half | Penalty adds to Pune’s woes
High on confidence post a brilliant first half display, the Dynamos hit the woodwork within a minute of the restart as Nabi's through ball to Doungel was well connected by the Indian winger but his shot could not result in another goal.
Delhi later sealed three points as in the 85th minute as Zodingliana Ralte fouled Govin Singh in the area and John Arne Riise calmly converted from 12 yards out. Overall though, the momentum had died down in the second half as both sides majorly plied in exchanges near the centre line. Coach Platt induced two substitutions as Sushant and Verohek were replaced by James Bailey and Bikash Jairu but his team, despite a last gasp goal from Adrian Mutu extended its dubious winless run away from home.
