New Delhi: Delhi Dynamos missed too many opportunities but ultimately managed to hang on to their one goal first half lead to emerge victors in the 1st leg semi-final of the Indian Super League II against FC Goa on Friday.
With a sparse crowd in attendance at the Nehru Stadium, the home side proved far superior to their rivals but failed to convert innumerable chances that came their way in the second half.
Luckily for Dynamos, Robin Singh's fine header in the 42nd minute of the match became the difference between the two teams, coached by two legendary Brazilians. Robin has been facing a lot of critcism, both at the international and domestic level due to his inability to find the net. But on Friday, the tall lanky striker scored a goal that displayed a crucial ability of any striker, to be at the correct place at the correct time.
FC Goa's marquee player-cum-captain, the Brazilian World Cup winner Lucio was given the responsibility to mark Robin but the former hardly had any clue when Robin came from behind to head a Chicao's fine cross into the rival goal. The way Robin eluded his marker, showed that he is striker of great potential and that is why Roberto Carlos regularly relies on him when it comes to striking goals.
Still the Dynamos had created a lot of chances for themselves, courtesy a superb performance from Gustavo Dos Santos who created a number of moves using his speed and skills. Another Delhi player, Florent Malouda too had the mid-filed under his control unfortunately failed miserably to find the back of the net when he had a couple of chances. The veteran Frenchman has been the most outstanding player for the Dynamos but inspite of his unmistakable skills, he made a mess of things in front of the goal, even when he had rival goalkeeper Kattimani in a one-to-one situation. Coach Roberto Carlos looked highly irked in the dugout after his side wasted repeated chances of scoring goals. Delhi goalkeeper Toby Doblas was in a brilliant form as he saved almost anything that came his way.
Coming to FC Goa, it was an extremely disheartening performance as many of their key players displayed a dismal show with the ball. Their forwards, Reinaldo and CS Sabeeth were largely nullified by an outstanding Delhi defence consisting of Riisem Anans, Sehnaj and Robert. Sabeeth did have a couple of chances, but his headers could not reach the desired destination. The hero of the last match, Romeo Fernandes, who came in as an early substitute in the place of injured Raju Gaikawd, also looked bleak. There were a few glimpses of his famous runs where he was able to breach the solid Delhi defence and passed the ball to his teammate Raphael Cohelo, but the latter could not convert it. Leo Moura and Jofre tried their very best to break the deadlock but they were completely overshadowed by a spirited Delhi side.
But everything is not lost for the Ghaurs as they will be meeting Delhi in the return fixture in their very own Fatodra ground, where they will have the opportunity to turn the tables in their favor.
Result: Delhi Dynamos - 1; FC Goa - 0
