ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters 1-3 FC Goa - 5 Talking Points

#4 Poplatnik-Stojanovic duo performed miserably

Slavisa Stojanovic is replaced by Seiminlen Doungel [Image: ISL]

One major weakness of the FC Goa team is their scrappy defence. Coming into the game, only the bottom three sides had conceded more goals than the table toppers. Poplatnik and Stojanovic knew this weakness of their adversary, but the Serbian-Slovenian duo's chemistry failed to click on the given day.

Moreover, they didn't even press high and allowed FC Goa to build from the back. In modern football, the strikers make up the first line of defence. Poplatnik and Stojanovic not only performed miserably in the attacking aspect but also in doing their defensive duties. Their lack of creativity ensured the home side fumbled in the little opportunities they had got in the first half.

Seimenlen Doungel rightfully replaced the ineffective Stojanovic just before first half and provided the missing attacking impetus to the Blasters.