ISL 2015: FC Goa 1-1 NorthEast United: 5 Talking Points

FC Goa and NorthEast United played out a draw in Wednesday's game (Image courtesy: ISL)FC Goa held NorthEast United 1-1 in a crucial match atJawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. NorthEast United displayed all round good performance to manage the first goal of the matchbut failed to keep they lead as the home team equalised despite being in a very uncomfortable position.A match which saw the Highlanders domination ending in a tame 1-1 draw. Here are five talking points of the match.

#1 Goa lucky to have not conceded more

Goa were lucky not to have conceded more goals (Image courtesy: ISL)

It was a dominating display by NorthEast who led the attack index by 62% in the first half. The Highlanders had as many as three close chances in the first half which would have been easy goals had luck favoured them.

FC Goa, on the other hand, lacked motivation and looked no good score, as NEUFC maintained the shape of their defence very well. It was a claustrophobic space for the home team with as many as seven visiting players in and around the box, but that did not hamper NEUFC’s attack as they constantly threatened Goa post.

#2 Well played Rehenesh and Cedric Hengbart

Rehenesh (R) donned the gloves very well for the Highlanders (Image courtesy: ISL)

It was another splendid display by young NorthEast goalkeeper TP Rehenesh. The only non-North Eastern Indian player of the team produced a flurry of saves to motivate his team.

He was equally supported by experienced defender Cedric Hengbert who was clinical at the back. In the 82nd minute, Hengbart produced a magical save which elsewhere would have been a goal.

#3 Victor Mendy and Reinaldo Score

Victor Mendy (C) scored for NEUFC (Image courtesy: ISL)

A goal was due for NorthEast. The way they played in the first half, it was very expected that they would have scored. In the 46th minute, Simao took a brilliant free kick which Hengbart headed brilliantly, only to hit the bar.

Eight minutes later, it was another Simao corner kick that led to the first goal of the match when new signing Victor Mendy headed it right into the net, bouncing just in front of the goal.

Goa on the other hand still looked unlikely to score but in the 79th minute Reinaldo seized an opportunity to equalized scoring by a brilliant shot that went past Rehenesh’s legs. NorthEast should have taken the lead almost immediately after 2 minutes when substitute Holicharan Narzary made a brilliant attempt but shot just an inch away from the left post.

#4 The Offiside Trap

NorthEast United players arguing with the referee about Velez's offisde goal

The offside trap has worked very well for Goa as right winger Sanju Pradhan was caught in the trap multiple numbers of times, right from the first half.

The 86th minute saw Nicholas Velez beating the defence very well including the goalkeeper and scoring. But he was controversially ruled offside. It would have had been a decider had it been allowed. But the linesman did not think of the same.

#5 Lucky day for Goa

The Goan outfit will be happy with a point considering how lucky they were (Image courtesy: ISL)

It was indeed a lucky day for Goa as they managed to draw a match which was very well dominated by NorthEast.

Even in the second half, the visitors had ample opportunity to score, which they failed to convert. In the 75th minute, Silas played a wonderful ball for Bruno Arias, which he failed to hit, deflected by a Goa defender. Again in the 90th minute, Velez made a very very good ball for Narzary, but the Dempo forward again failed to hit the net.

Had they won the match, NorthEast would have been comfortably sitting in the second spot. But since they managed just a point, they sit fourth in the table and will be heading home to play Delhi in their next encounter.