NorthEast United
Subrata Paul – 8/10
The Indian veteran had a great game in goal and kept the concentrated Goan attack at bay. In the second half, he showed exactly why they nicknamed him 'Spiderman' with two outstanding saves in quick succession.
Reagan Singh – 4.5/10
The right back did his job, without being spectacular either in defense or offense. He was given a good ol' run around by Dessai initially, but warmed to his task as the game wore on. Was lucky not to concede a penalty in the dying moments of the match as he tripped the flying Goan winger.
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Mailson Alves (off 27') – 5/10
The defender was solid in the early phases of the game, but was subbed off with an injury early on. Didn't have enough time to make much of an impact.
Gustavo Lazzaretti – 7/10
The NorthEast captain was solid and defended well throughout. Stopped a number of Goan attacks in that no-nonsense manner of his, and was instrumental in NorthEast keeping a clean sheet.
Robin Gurung – 6/10
The left back had a decent outing and handled the threat of the Goan wingers well. Committed a poor tackle in the 75th minute on Romeo for which he was deservedly booked
Wellington Priori – 7/10
The Brazilian had a great game in the middle of the park alongside Romaric and Borges. Controlled the game well, and played a superb pass in the second half to release Velez. Romaric (off 71') – 7/10
The Ivorian was great in the centre of the park – smart on the ball and strong in the tackle – he controlled the game with his metronomic passing. He got clattered by Lucio late in the second half, and soon was subbed off.
Rowllin Borges – 8/10
Borges is developing into quite the defensive midfielder. Similar in style to Sergio Busquets, the Goan was exceptional in the middle of the park – without ever doing anything that made him stand out. He broke up play effortlessly, and played his passes crisply and it was he who ended most Goan attacks and started most NorthEast ones.
Katsumi Yusa – 7/10
The Japanese midfielder was a pain in the side of the Goan defence throughout. The willing runner that he is, he ran the opposition ragged throughout. If there were to be any complaints raised against him, it would be that he was too selfish as exemplified by a chance in the 10th minute when he elected to shoot rather than pass to better-placed teammates.
Halicharan Narzary – 8.5/10
The young Indian star was a revelation drifting all along the NorthEast frontline behind Alfaro. He played a number of superb passes forward, the pick of which was the flick that released Alfaro for the second goal. It was a piece of magic that any of the big names in the league would have been proud to pull off. Emiliano Alfaro (off 92') – 9/10
The Uruguayan was outstanding today. He kept harrying and hustling (as he did in the opening match) and was rewarded for his persistance when Kattimani played the ball straight at him to gift him the opening goal. The second was an expert finish straight through the keeper's legs. He could even have had a hattrick but for a brilliant interception by Raju Gaikwad
Substitutes
Didier Zokora (On 27') – 6/10
The Ivorian marquee player of NorthEast came on and played centre-back – not the position he created his marquee status in, but he adapted well and was solid throughout.
Nicolas Velez (On 71') – 7/10
The little magician was brilliant for the twenty minutes he was on the pitch. He created Alfaro's hat-trick chance by very selflessly squaring the ball to the better-placed striker when he could have easily taken it on himself. Almost ran through on goal with a superbly timed run behind the defence but was called offside
Seityasen (off '92) – NA
Came on too late to make any discernable impact
FC Goa
Laxmikant Kattimani – 3/10
The 27-year-old Goan goalkeeper had an absolute nightmare. He gifted the opening ball to Alfaro with a gaffe he will not want to see again and got nutmegged for the second goal. A day in the office that he will want to forget very very soon.
Rafael Dumas – 5/10
The Brazilian was effective, but not spectacular and blocked well for most of the game. Was susceptible to long balls behind him though, along with his fellow countryman Lucio.
Lucio – 5/10
Started promisingly but faded as the game wore. His tackling grew more thuggish in the second half – possibly a sign of frustration – and could very easily have been sent off for an elbow that whammed into Romaric's face.
Fulganco Cardozo – 5/10
Never really got into the game, and was part of a barely memorable defence. Will need to get back and refocus, as will his colleagues – the entire defence was all too easily cut open by NorthEast's sharp off the ball running
Raju Gaikwad -7/10
The incredible interception that he put into prevent Alfaro's hattrick – where he flew in front of the goal with his leg outstretched - alone merits an 8. But was given the run around too easily by Narzary and Katsumi, hence the 7.
Sanjay Balmuchu (off 45')– 5/10
The left back did well in attack but was poor defensively. Was sacrificed at the start of the second half to make way for Romeo Fernandes
Joffre Gonzalez – 7/10
Another one of the numerous La Masia graduates that seem to be dotting the ISL landscape, he was one the most promising of the Goan creators but could find no end product to put the finishing impressions on his creativity. Had a couple of shots well saved by Paul, but wasted some good set piece opportunities
Richarlyson Felisbino (off '68) – 7/10
The Brazilian was a constant threat, but just like his Spanish teammate, couldn't find a telling end product. One of his shots took a superb save from Paul to keep out, but that was the best he could do.
Trindande Goncalves – 6.5/10
Another one of Zico's Brazilian contingent, the midfielder was a busy-body and buzzed around all over the park without really contributing much. Was bossed off the ball too easily by Borges and Romaric and will need to bring out his physical side to succeed this season.
Mandar Rao Dessai – 7.5/10
The flying Indian winger was arguably the pick of the Goan attackers. He gave Reagan a torrid time and found joy on the left wing as well as when he floated into the middle. Created chances with his direct running and great dribbling ability. He was booked for a rather silly foul on the 50' mark. Should have had a penalty in the dying minutes, but to his great credit he didn't really create much of a fuss.
Raffael Coelho – 6/10
The striker had apparently forgotten his shooting boots at home. Spurned numerous chances, and the better shots were saved by the excellent Subrata. He linked well with the bevy of attacking midfielders in the Goa side, but will need to start converting chances if he hopes to hold on to his starting berth.
Substitutes
Romeo Fernandes (on 45') – 5/10
The midfielder struggled to mark his presence on the pitch as Borges, Romaric and Wellington bossed the midfield. Struggled with the physicality of the match and did not do much to convince Zico he should be a regular starter
Reinaldo (on '68) – 6/10
The Brazilian came on to replace Richarlyson but couldn't find the finishing touch that his compatriot was lacking himself. Created some opportunities but probably needed more time on the pitch to adapt and make his mark Julio Caeser (on 75') – 5/10
The burly striker used his physicality well but missed a great chance to pull one back int he 88th minute. Was involved in a ruckus with Katsumi that got both players booked for their troubles. Stated his case to start before Raffael well enough
