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In March 2019, FC Goa, having negotiated their way past Mumbai City FC, found themselves back at the Mumbai Football Arena, with a summit clash against Bengaluru FC beckoning.
Unfortunately for the Gaurs though, they succumbed to a 117th minute Rahul Bheke header, meaning that they suddenly had nothing to show for their exemplary efforts during the group stages and indeed, the semi-final.
Subsequently, many opined that the 2019-20 season represented a term, wherein the ISL title would be Goa’s to lose, considering their ability to retain the core of their squad and supplement it with astute signings.
To that end, they began the current campaign like a side possessed, as they swept aside every challenge kept in front of them. In fact, they represented an extremely adept outfit at home and on the road, with a 4-2 victory at Mumbai testifying the above.
Yet, akin to the irregularities of football, a hint of an altercation between Sergio Lobera and the top brass of the club paved the way for the Gaurs to completely do away with the services of the Spaniard, despite the latter leading them to the perch of the table.
At that juncture, several expected Goa to wilt under the weight of an off-field controversy which didn’t only threaten to jeopardize their current season, but also sow the seeds of discontent for the campaigns to follow.
Fortunately, though, the Gaurs seem to have tided over those bumps, thereby again casting themselves as the side to beat in the ISL. Inevitably, they became the first outfit to pencil down a knock-out berth and courtesy their result against Jamshedpur FC, they also became the first team from the competition to earmark itself for an appearance at the AFC Champions League.
However, while Goa would understandably rejoice at their achievement of making the continent’s premier club competition, they still would know that their primary objective remains ending their ISL hoodoo.
Thus, as the tournament enters its home stretch, the time seems ripe to analyse FC Goa’s chances and highlight why the current term could be the one where a football crazy state quenches its thirst for glory.
#3 The Gaurs’ irresistible attacking machine
In the 2018-19 league stages, FC Goa made the net ripple 36 times, which incidentally, was seven more than their nearest competitors, Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC.
Thus, there existed a general consensus that the Gaurs couldn’t scale a higher offensive peak. However, over the course of the current term, they’ve emphatically put those notions to bed, en route 46 goals in the round-robin phase.
For much of the previous season, Coro represented Goa’s most potent attacking weapon. In 2019-20 though, they’ve stumbled upon Hugo Boumous, a Frenchman, who has perhaps, been even more influential than the aforementioned Spaniard.
The midfielder has been simply scintillating in between the lines and has formed the ideal link between midfield and attack. Boumous has often popped up all across the pitch and has dragged defences out of shape as a consequence.
Additionally, the Frenchman’s propensity to attract defenders towards him has freed up the likes of Brandon Fernandes and Jackichand Singh, with the latter turning in a relatively prolific season.
Elsewhere, the Gaurs have the luxury of maintaining a steady supply of crosses and creativity from the flanks. Mandar Rao Dessai and Seriton Fernandes represent handy offensive options in the full-back positions and the pair seems to possess a telepathic understanding with Brandon and Jackichand.
Furthermore, their bench, which comprises of Len Doungel and Manvir Singh, seems extremely capable of producing the goods, whenever called upon.
Most impressively though, Goa boast the requisite attacking weapons to hurt oppositions in different ways. Courtesy the presence of Boumous and Coro, the Gaurs seem a breath-taking outfit on the counter attack whereas they are equally brilliant at grinding down the opponents before scything through them.
Thus, with most other teams not covering themselves in any glory defensively, the 2018-19 finalists seem primed to go all the way. And, rather fittingly, it could be their much-vaunted attack that does the trick.
#2 Goa’s ability to control games in midfield
Over the past couple of seasons, FC Goa have strengthened their reputation as arguably the best midfield unit across the ISL. To put things into perspective, the likes of Ahmed Jahouh and Lenny Rodrigues have starred in the centre of the park and have subsequently, made it much tougher for their oppositions to impose themselves.
The pairing has usually been able to control the tempo of matches and has laid the platform for the attacking players to express themselves. At times, Goa have been under the cosh, especially away from home. But, Jahouh and Lenny’s tendency to take the sting out of the game has enabled the Gaurs to establish a foothold in midfield.
Additionally, the duo enjoys an extraordinary understanding, meaning that they are regularly able to wear the opposition down by the sheer number of passes they play.
Before the Gaurs’ final encounter against Jamshedpur FC, Jahouh and Lenny averaged more than 50 passes per game, thereby emphasizing their importance to the side.
Apart from the aforementioned partnership, players of the ilk of Boumous and Brandon also frequently drop into midfield, in the process, forming passing triangles, which help them wriggle away from tight situations.
Moreover, apart from Bengaluru FC, none of the other teams seem capable of dominating the middle third against the Gaurs, especially considering the variety the latter brings to the fore.
Thus, it seems highly unlikely that Clifford Miranda’s outfit would be outplayed in midfield, even when confronting the league’s finest in the semi-finals.
#1 FC Goa’s clean bill of injuries and suspensions
The ISL began in October 2019 and is set to culminate on the 14th of March 2020, spanning almost five months. Consequently, a tournament of such duration leads to countless injuries and suspensions, a sight that isn’t particularly enviable.
However, rather fortunately, the Gaurs have managed to keep their stars fit, meaning that they’ve been able to fire on all cylinders. Though Coro endured a patchy start, with respect to a slight niggle, he has since recovered to spearhead Goa’s charge.
Elsewhere, the defensive line has remained devoid of injuries with Carlos Pena and Mourtada Fall forming an immense partnership at the heart of the defence. At full-back, Mandar and Seriton have also stayed away from the treatment table and that has contributed to the Gaurs establishing continuity among their squad.
As for the suspensions, the 2018-19 runners-up enter the knock-out stages with most of their important players available. After missing the game against Jamshedpur FC, Brandon and Seriton are expected to return for the 1st leg of the semi-final whereas Edu Bedia and Jahouh have also served their suspension recently.
Boumous and Lenny, meanwhile, also escaped a booking at the Furnace, thereby ensuring that Goa would be able to field a full-strength squad in their last four clash.
In contrast, the Gaurs’ rivals have a few furrowed brows to address. While Bengaluru FC are sweating over the fitness of Sunil Chhetri, ATK have to contend without Agus.
Mumbai City FC, another potential semi-final opponent, are also missing the services of Paulo Machado whereas Odisha FC face the prospect of entering the semi-finals sans Aridane Santana.
Thus, when pitting Goa’s position against the circumstances engulfing their competitors, they seem to boast a significant advantage.
And, though there are several other aspects that could turn the tide in the Gaurs’ favour, it could simply boil down to their proclivity of choosing from the same set of players, week in, week out.
