ISL: NorthEast United FC 1-1 FC Goa

While FC Goa were looking for their first win of the tournament after having been edged past by Chennaiyin FC at home, NorthEast United were looking to get back to winning ways. They hosted FC Goa in an exciting encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. As it panned out, neither team could achieve what they were eyeing at the start of the game and had to share the spoils.Both teams toiled hard to nick the winner, but failed to be incisive enough to break the parity.In what was an emotional moment, there was a 30 second silence observed in memory of Mizoram footballer Peter Biaksangzuala as he was found dead today after falling on an attempted summersault following his goal, which saw him land awkwardly on his neck, breaking his spine and eventually proving fatal.

#1 Both teams still looking for the best combination

FC Goa made 4 changes to their line-up, and so did NorthEast United FC as they looked to change the dynamics of their setup in contrast to the last game. Goa went on with a similar formation, but United tinkered with their formation as well a bit going with 2 men upfront and changing a few things at the back.

The home team had also made a few changes in their line-up in the second game and have had a different line-up play in every game. But today’s performance would suggest they are close to finding their right combination.

As for FC Goa, there still seems to be something not happening for them and the team and the manager must look at their combination especially in the midfield as they have failed to create enough and have failed to be clinical enough with both their goals coming from a defender.

#2 Was it a penalty or was it not?

The clock was reading 34 minutes and the ball was falling for Gurung in the box as Debrata Roy came in flying from behind to head the ball away, but made little contact as Robin Gurung fell in the box. The referee, standing right in front of the incident, pointed to the spot giving the home side a penalty and an easy way back into the game.

However, the decision was a rather controversial one with it being the major talking point at half time and at the full time whistle as most of the experts and fans alike believed that it was rather soft and was never a penalty given the fact that:

The touch was soft and Debrata Roy had every intention of winning the ball and did not intend to just push Robin Gurung away. The decision saw FC Goa coach Zico go livid and angry on the sidelines as he showed his dissent for the referee’s decision. It definitely proved to be a game changing moment and one that stole the limelight.

#3 Jan Seda and the NorthEast United defence

Although FC Goa did not pose too much threat to the NorthEast United FC ranks, the club’s defenders were up for it and in what was a no-nonsense act of defending, Garcia, Capdevilla and the two-full backs put in a brilliant shift to keep the visitors at bay.

Aibor Khongjee and Robin Gurung even provided some width to the outfit and aided the team going forward in an impressive outing at the full back positions. Even the likes of Chansa and Mtonga provided the necessary shield to the defense.

As for the visiting side, their goalkeeper Jan Seda was a key player as he made a few tremendous saves to deny NorthEast United a win and was always on his toes to thwart away any potential danger being caused by the homeside.

#4 Koke- the standout player

United made a slight change to their attacking line-up as they put Keene on the bench and introduced Dong-Hyun to the line-up to add the necessary pace alongside Durga Boro to stretch the FC Goa defence which allowed Koke to drop deep and collect the ball deep in the opposition half and play balls into dangerous positions.

Koke showed his intelligence picking the likes of Boro and Dong-Hyun when they made dangerous runs in addition to taking the position on the wings as and when needed to create more space and add an extra dimension to the attack.

Koke was in the thick of all action and was the supply chain for the NorthEast United FC attack which helped them create several chances only to see Seda up to it to deny the home side the winner. Koke ensured his team were on top during the entire duration of the second half.

Koke scored the only goal of the game for the home side and has been their only goal scorer in the entire tournament.

#5 Edgar Marcelino should have started

Zico made four changes in his side, two of which came in the midfield. While Zico was spot on with adding Miranda to the line-up on the left wing, the decision to start Santos and Pires in the middle of the park did not pan out to be how the Brazilian magician would have anticipated.

Pires has lost his yards of pace and Santos is still struggling to find complete fitness. And when your side, in an away match, is up against a gritty, young and pacy side, this might come back to haunt you.

The effects of the decision were that FC Goa could not break the play fast enough which allowed NorthEast United to track back in time, while going forward, they, with their pace and craft found it easy to go past the duo. The former Arsenal duo also failed to create enough clear cut opportunities.

Edgar was introduced in the 68th minute and ever since, FC Goa looked more dynamic in their attack and the game started to swing a little. Edgar showed glimpses of his skill in the previous game and even today once he was on. Seeing the Portuguese in action in contrast to the duo earlier, they were left thinking whether or not it would have been a better idea to start off with Edgar, who would have added to the overall dynamic of the team.