We have finally reached the final matchday of the Premier Futsal League which has entertained the country over the past ten days. From the day of its inception, it had promised to be a pure entertainer and has not disappointed the fans. The men in blue Mumbai 5s will take on the men in Purple Kochi 5s in tonight's all-important final.
With the stage set for the stars to prove their worth, here are some of the players who could steal the show tonight. The following are the top 5 players who could have a massive impact on tonight's game:
1. Adriano Foglia
Adriano Foglia has arguably been Mumbai’s best player in the tournament. The Italian comes with a ton of experience with stints in Italy’s Serie A 5-a-side league where he was the top goalscorer on three occasions. He has also won the award of ‘Best Outfield Player’ from UEFA in 2003.
Despite looking a bit out of shape, Foglia started off the tournament in brilliant style scoring twice against Chennai. In their second game against Chennai, the Italian doubled his goal tally scoring another two goals. That wasn’t all for the Italian as he tore Kochi apart the last time they met by scoring a fantastic hat-trick.
With 7 goals, Foglia is in the race for the Golden armband and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet in the finals. His agility along with pure strength and skill has been the highlight of the tournament and he could have a major influence in the finals.
2. Chaguinha
The 28-year-old Brazillian Chaguinha has been one of Kochi’s best players this season. After a few stints in Brazil and Spain, Chaguinha moved to Portugal to play for the Benfica 5-a-side team with whom he has won the Portuguese League and a Portuguese Cup.
Chaguinha has been a solid and composed player for Kochi, teaming up well with Michel Salgado. His key trait throughout the season has been his tactical qualities in defense. His presence at the back has helped players like Moraes to be fearless in the attack. He has also got an eye for goals and has troubled keepers with his powerful long-distance shots.
He has scored a few vital goals for Kochi, most notably the one against Goa in the semi-finals that gave Kochi the lead. His passing has been very neat as well as he keeps his style of Futsal clean and simple. Chaguinha could steal the show again tonight as his calmness could be key in a high-pressure final.
3. Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs needs no introduction. From Manchester to Mumbai, he has been tearing his opponents apart season after season. He has slotted into the shorter version of the game seamlessly and has made this transition look effortless.
He started the tournament in great fashion by entertaining the Chennai crowd with his fancy skills and no look passes. Despite scoring only one goal, his contribution to Mumbai has been vital and has been a great leader and mentor especially for the Indian youngsters.
If Ryan Giggs can get into the groove tonight, the confidence of his teammates could be boosted. And as the commentator said last night “When Ryan Giggs is on fire, your defense is terrified”.
4. Michel Salgado
At the age of 40, the former Galactico has been a standout player this season. Dubbed by experts as the least gifted marquee player in the league, he has come out on top against all odds and proven them wrong.
Salgado's mental and physical strength along with passion has been infectious and his teammates, especially the Indian players have fed on his confidence. His partnership with Chaguinha in the defense has seen Kochi hold strong in defense while his bullet-like runs have troubled the opposition's defense on many occasions.
Salgado has already netted a goal against Mumbai and could find himself on the scoresheet tonight. It is clear that Michel Salgado hates to lose and he would probably do everything in his power to win the game tonight for his Kochi team.
5. Caro Angellot
The final player in the this is Colombia’s Angellot. The 25-year old has a pretty impressive resume with experience in the Czech Republic, Bolivia, Spain, Italy, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Colombia.
With Ryan Giggs and Adriano Foglia in his side, he has been away from the limelight for majority of the tournament but he shot to the top after his hat-trick last night that knocked out Hernan Crespo’s Kolkata 5s.
Angellot is now the tournament’s highest goal-scorer and is well on his way to probably win the ‘Player of the tournament’ award as well. His mesmerising quick feet and agility has troubled the Kochi defence before and will surely do so tonight as well.
