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In what was arguably one of the most exciting matches of ISL 2017, FC Goa became the first side in the league to defeat the highflying Bengaluru FC, at the Fatorda Stadium, in Goa, on Thursday.
The Goans churned out a fabulous performance on the night, as they ran away 4-3 winners against the Blues, in an absolute thriller of a match. Goals, controversies, cards –both yellow and red were all in abundance, as the Fatorda crowd was treated to a dramatic game.
Indian Arrows head coach Luis Norton de Matos, who had also coached India in the FIFA U17 World Cup, and the AFC U19 Championship qualifiers, earlier this year, was there in the stands to witness the action.
Incidentally, his side, the Indian Arrows are currently playing their first two I-League home matches across town, at the Bambolim Stadium.
“Seven goals is very good for the crowd. And FC Goa deserved to win the game, as they have a clear advantage with 11 men against 10,” said Matos.
It was a rather disappointing night for Bengaluru, who ended up conceding as many as four goals. They had let in only one, in their first two matches of the season. Their star defender John Johnson was not too happy about this.
“Individual errors cost us. We weren’t defending as a team, and you can’t do that. We had a go, but on another day maybe we could have nicked a draw,” said Johnson.
However, the biggest controversy of the game happened when Bengaluru keeper was sent off for seemingly throwing a punch at Goa winger Manuel Lanzarote. Although it looked like a cynical foul (which cost them a penalty and a red card) video replays suggested that the FC Goa man may have made a bit too much of the whole affair.
Former Kerala Blasters and Liverpool star David James certainly seemed to think that both the players deserved to see red.
Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal also called for some “tough calls” after the match.
Here are some other reactions from the match.
