The Premier Futsal League is now heading to Goa, after conducting their initial round of matches in Chennai. Brazilian legend Ronaldinho scored 5 goals in the last game against Bengaluru 5s, but has to return early to his homeland as he has been chosen as the ambassador of the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.
However, the organisers of the league have got another big name and Cafu was confirmed as the replacement of Ronaldinho. The first matchday will see Goa 5s play Kolkata 5s, with both teams looking to win to push towards a semi-final spot.
Chennai 5s must win their game tonight to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Livestream and Kick-off time
Kolkata 5s vs Goa 5s is scheduled to take place on July 19 at 7 pm, whilst Chennai 5s v Mumbai 5s will kick-off at 8:10 pm. Watch live streaming of Chennai 5s vs Mumbai 5s on SonyLiv. Follow live scores and commentary of the Premier Futsal League on Sportskeeda. The match will be telecast live on Sony Six, Sony ESPN and Sony AATH. Both matches will be played at the Peddem Sports Complex in Goa.
Team News
Falcao, also known as ‘Pele of Futsal’, scored twice in the last game for Chennai 5s against Kochi 5s, but had to be substituted due to an injury. However, his teammate, Romulo, confirmed Falcao should be fine for the next game in Goa. Cirilo and Camilo scored in the last game and could make a difference against Mumbai 5s.
Ryan Giggs has been in good form in the tournament till now, and will be hoping to continue that against Chennai 5s. Angellot found the back of the net in the last game, whilst Foglia has also been very impressive for Mumbai 5s.
Kolkata 5s played out a draw against Bengaluru 5s in their last game, with Pula finding the back of the net in consecutive games. Hernan Crespo has been pretty lively on the pitch, and certainly still has the ability to determine the outcome of the game against Goa 5s, a match that Kolkata won 4-2 last time around.
With Goa’s marquee player Ronaldinho having left the team, this will be a very important match for them, in order for them to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals. Iconic Brazilian right-back Cafu will be joining the Goa franchise, and the team will be hoping to give him a rousing welcome to the Premier Futsal League.
Prediction
Kolkata 5s have been in impressive form till now, and could trump Goa 5s to seal their place in the semi-finals, whilst it could be a close encounter between Chennai 5s and Mumbai 5s.
Line-ups
Chennai 5s Coach: Ney Pereira Marquee Player: Falcao International futsallers: Espindola (GK), Romulo, Cirilo, Camilo, Rion Freestyler: Sean Garnier Indian futsallers: Faraz Abdul Azzez, Younus Pasha, Yash, Rohit Suresh (GK), S Nannda, Haroon
Mumbai 5s Coach: Felice Mastropiero Marquee Player: Ryan Giggs International futsallers: Luis Amado (GK), Foglia, Angellot, Ramirez, Federico Perez Freestyler: Pablo Indian futsallers: Jo Paul Bence (GK), Chanpreet, Shubham Mane, Emmanuel, Akshay Nair, Shimyu
Kolkata 5s Coach: Christian Roldan Marquee player: Hernan Crespo International futsallers: Cidao (GK), Pula, Gabriel, Vander Carioca, Majdoub Freestyler: Dida Indian futsallers: Mohammedohamm Islam, Amit Pal (GK), Subrata Dey, Pradeep Shaw, Akshay Nair, Mayur Shellar
Goa 5s Coach: Octavio Gomes De Oliveira Junior Marquee player: Cafu International futsallers: Bebe (GK), Vampeta, Rafael, Georgievsky Freestyler: Adonias Indian futsallers: Michael Silva, Fredsan Marshall, Caitano, Vatsal (GK), Mohammed Ahtesham Ali, Praveendran
