Already a goal down in this highly anticipated two-legged semifinal, FC Goa will have to try hard to get into the finals of the Hero Indian Super League as they face the Delhi Dynamos in front of their home crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
With tickets sold out within 35 minutes of becoming available, FC Goa fans will have higher expectations this season after being disappointed at the same stage last season when they were knocked out by Atletico de Kolkata on penalties.
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At the pre-match press conference, Zico said, “Delhi Dynamos did not have supremacy over us in the last game. Both teams had chances but Delhi took theirs and we didn’t.”
While fellow Brazilian, Roberto Carlos believes his team will always attack. Team’s formation will always be attacking; it will be almost the same. And they will shoot on goal.
Kick Off & Live Telecast
Kick-off: Sunday 15th December 2015 7.00pm
Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Margao – Goa.
Live Telecast: StarSports 2,3 StarSports HD2, HD3
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Last Meeting: Delhi Dynamos 1-0 FC Goa(1st Leg)
Live updates on Sportskeeda
Team News
Returning from a visit to the capital city of India with a loss in their bag, Zico and his man will try to find their glory back at home to enter the Finale. For almost the whole of this season, FC Goa have been troubled by tons of injuries and now with Reinaldo & Raju Gaikwad out, Zico will concrete the line up with Romeo Fernandes on the right wing & Rafael in attack.
Having scored two goals in two minutes in a stage at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, Romeo Fernandes will be the man to watch. Another piece of good news for the fans is the return of home town hero Mandar Rao Dessai in the starting eleven.
Meanwhile, leading already by a goal at the half time of the two-legged semifinal, Delhi Dynamos come to Goa with no change. Having never won in Goa, Roberto Carlos might go with an unchanged squad and will try to secure a draw at the least to enter the Finale of the Hero Indian Super League.
Likely XI
FC GOA: Kattimani, Romeo, Gregory, Lucio, Moura, Pronoy, Lucca, Mandar, Jofre, Haokip, Rafael
Delhi Dynamos: Doblas, Sehnaj, Edathodika, Riise, Robert, Santos, Malouda, Chicao, Mama, Nabi, Robin
Key Battles
Romeo Fernandes vs Riise
John Arne Riise is a highly rated and accomplished centre-back in the ISL. Whereas Romeo Fernades is a rising star of Indian football. With an ability to run up & down on the flanks, Romeo provides much-needed strength on the wings to the team.
Riise is famous for his ground tackles & his thunderbolt left footers. Already scoring in major tournaments in Europe, Riise would love to gift Dynamos fans a place in the finals by scoring his trademark goal. Romeo Fernandes with his quick feet & pace would love to help FC Goa to cross the barrier of the semi-final.
Lucio vs Dos Santos
This is a clash of two Brazilians, a case of highly talented attacking midfielder meets a solid and a fully committed defender. With already three goals to his name, Santos would love to help his team to enter the finale. But he will be against a player with strong defensive skills with good aerial play and who also adds a presence in the attack. Lucio, an ex-Brazilian captain with his strong leadership quality has won number of major trophies including the World Cup and would like to add another trophy to his collection.
Match Prediction
FC Goa 2-0 Delhi Dynamos
