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FC Goa's turn of fortune has been nothing less than miraculous. Masterminded by the legendary Brazilian, Zico, the club had collected just one win in their first seven encounters, but after shifting tactics and finding the right balance within the squad, the Goans have had an undefeated run of six games, their latest scalp coming in the form of a 3-0 mauling of Ricki Herbert's NorthEast United FC.
In the process, FC Goa have successfully reemerged as contenders for the coveted semi-finals spot with 18 points in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Zico has shuffled his players well, and utilized them with a touch of genius, but with the ISL entering its business end, focus and consistency should be of paramount importance for FC Goa.
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With 107 shots on target, FC Goa have been one of the few ISL sides which have impressed fans and critics alike with their dominant and attacking style of play. Along with a scintillating attack force often led by Miroslav Slepicka and powered by former Arsenal wing back, Andre Santos, the Goans also boast a staunch defence. The centre-back pair of Bruno Pinheiro and Gregory Arnolin have often acted as a solid foundation to FC Goa's structure.
Narayan Das has arguably been one of the best Indian players in the league, and was even compared to Ashley Cole by John Helm. The young Indian star-in-the-making has often linked defence with attack. His chemistry with Mandar Rao Desai has been capitalised to its maximum by Zico, as the young Indian pairing has often dominated the left flank.
However, with league leaders Chennaiyin FC and a hungry Atlético de Kolkata next, FC Goa's physical and mental toughness could be tested by these two stern trials. The Robert Pires-led contingent face both these teams, away from home, and with the electric Goan home support unavailable, the club’s ability to capture the audience with their varied talents could be put under stress.
