Second-Leg Semi Finals - Hero Indian Super League

FC Goa Vs. Atletico de Kolkatta

The first-leg semi-final match between FC Goa(FCG) and Atletico de Kolkata(ATK) ended in a goalless draw. But it will be premature to conclude anything at this point. While FCG has a sluggish start in the season. Later, the Zico boys rebound from nowhere to get semi-final berth in the Hero Indian Super League. For ATK, football is a religion. It is a usual for the Kolkata football fans to conduct special ceremonies for their favorite team win. Nevertheless, both team were from the places where Indian football was groomed.

Whereas the ATK which had a huge buzz from the start of the league matches, no surprise, they played well. The Luis Garcia and Fikru combo did some magic on field. Fikru was a speeding bullet to dodge past the last defender to score goals. Luis Garcia was kingpin of the team attack. A target man who could lead the team to the goal post in no time. And for the defense, ATK is well known for the rough-up play against other teams. Constant marking and pressure has spoiled may attack against the ATK. Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, the Stronghold Guardian of the ATK, stand as a tall wall against any shot at target. But in the First leg Fikru was rested. The gaffer is planning on him! The team is good at making rival defender run from pillar to post. The One touch passing and switching sides of the play create numerous opportunities.

The Strength of the team is with long balls as long as  Fikru is good at catching up with them. The solid defense line and close player support at crucial time pressurizes the opposition.

While, at present, none can under estimate the FC Goa. Zico proved him to be the man of words. He assured the team will rebound to top after the consecutive defeats at start of the Hero Indian Super League. Now the team is one of the strongest contender of the title in first Hero Indian Super League. The indigenous talent Romeo emerged as real hero to win hearts among the crowd who scored the 100th goal of the Hero Indian Super League.  Romeo Fernandas is state-of-the-art indigenous footballer in the Hero Indian Super League.  His incisive runs, talent to create huge space for the attack made him an outstanding player of the tournament. To add further, the André Santos deadly strikes add teeth to the FCG. Miroslav Slepička, made a good contribution towards the team victory in the last phase of league matches. Especially, the conversion of loose ball into goal which was splendid. Slepička keeps up the form them he will be unbeatable goal-machine of the Hero Indian Super League.

The strength of FCG is set-pieces. Defenders are good at converting the chances to goal. Fast and pacey attacks. But in the First-leg of the semi-finals in Hero Indian Super League, FCG would have scored four goal but for the lack of composure from the strikers.

The odds favor FCG looking at the recent attack and defense they showed up in the game. But that doesn't conclude. ATK might cast its spell in any match minutes.

Let's wait for another hot football feast. Lets football.