New Delhi: Delhi Dynamos claimed an emphatic victory over FC Goa in the 1st leg of the semi-finals of the second edition of the Indian Super League in Delhi on Friday.
The solitary goal from Robin SIngh made the difference between the teams. The match was dominated by the home team from the very start as they produced innumerable chances for themselves. FC Goa on the other side produced a rather dismal performance on a night where many predicted would be a cakewalk for the Ghaurs. The visiting team should consider themselves lucky as they only conceded one goal. The Dyanmos could easily have scored a bunch. The Delhi side should consider themselves unfortunate as they could not convert them as it would have increased their lead before the return leg at the Fatodra next week.
Let’s take a look at the Heroes and Zeroes from the match:
Delhi Dynamos:
Heroes:
1) Robin Singh: The number 9 of Dynamos scored an amazing goal in the 42nd minute of a Chicao cross. The way Robin eluded his marker, the World Cup winner from Brazil, Lucio, showed that he has shaped into a superb striker and could do wonders for the team.
2) Gustavo Dos Santos: He was main creator of the solitary goal and throughout the match, Dos Santos kept the Goan defence busy. Using his awesome speed and dribbling abilities, he was able to breach the rival defence many a times and helped to create some excellent moves for his team.
3) Toni Doblas: The last line of defence for Delhi was in his peak form as he saved almost everything that came his way and ensured that Dynamos did not concede any goal.
Zeroes:
1) Florent Malouda: The Frenchman has been the most consistent player for the Dynamos but on Friday, he missed some easy sitters that even irked his coach, Roberto Carlos. Malouda is yet to score in this edition of ISL and he will have to wait a little longer before he can open his account.
FC Goa:
Heroes:
1) Leo Moura: Moura as usual was doing all the hardwork in the midfield for his team but his efforts did not bear any fruits, thanks to a spirited Dynamos performance.
2) Gregory Arnolin: On a night when everything went wrong for FC Goa, Arnolin was their star in the defence. If not for Arnolin, Delhi Dynamos would have got away easliy with more number of goals.
3) Laxmikanth Kattimani: Kattimani made some crucial saves to deny the home team to extend their lead. Kattimani combined with his defence to keep the goal margin only to 1, which they can overtake in the return fixture in Fatodra.
Zeroes:
1) Reinaldo: Much was expected the Brazilian, who is the top scorer for FC Goa but he failed to score and create any sort of impact on the field for his team.
2) CS Sabeeth: Sabeeth got some golden chances where he could have scored with his head. Unfortunately he failed each and every time to find the back of the net which proved costly for the team.
By Dipayan Saha
