ISL 2015 semi-final: FC Goa 3-0 Delhi Dynamos - 5 Talking Points

FC Goa ran out 3-0 winners over the Delhi Dynamos at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Tuesday night and qualified for the final. Joffre, Rafael Coelho and Dudu got on the scoresheet for Zico’s side to earn a 3-1 win on aggregate after they had lost the first leg 1-0 in Delhi.The Gaurs will now wait for the second leg of the other semi-final between Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC to see who they will face in the final on Sunday, 20 December. Here are the major talking points from the game.All images courtesy of ISL

#1 Intense and feisty semi final at Fatorda Stadium

A colosseum like atmosphere engulfed the Fatorda Stadium and everyone from the players, coaches to the fans looked wound up tonight. Both the match and the bench were equally lively.

The game started on a hectic note with both teams hunting each other down like vultures. The tackles were flying in incessantly. While some of them were inch perfect, a few others were plain cynical.

With the stakes so high, the referee did well to keep the game moving and wasn’t too eager to flash his cards. Unlike the first leg, players from both teams were at each other’s heels like a magnet, rarely giving their opponents time on the ball. The likes of Dudu, Gregory and Sehnaj Singh left no stone unturned to make their presence felt on the pitch.

#2 Immaculate start from Goa

The Gaurs came off the blocks with the intention of scoring first and pronto. And they did just that as Jofre and Rafael Coelho gave the home side a 2-0 lead within the first 30 minutes of the game.

Zico’s men imposed themselves on the game and continued to attack with purpose. They pressed like a team and the speed and transition from defence to attack exhibited by FC Goa caught the Delhi Dynamos by surprise.

It shouldn’t have though. The likes of Florent Malouda, Robin Singh and Nabi barely had any kind of impact in the first half. Goa play best when they spray the ball vertically and swiftly. They did that tonight with military precision in the first-half.

It was only in the second half when they stepped off the pedal a bit. This was expected considering how much energy they put into the first 45 minutes. But the job was already done.

#3 Front man Dudu central to FC Goas success

Goa’s no.25 demonstrated precisely how he can contribute in all aspects of the game. Tonight, the Nigerian put in a shift, contributing in attack as well as defence. Dudu was more than happy to play the role of supplier against Delhi.

Often, he positioned himself on the wings and held up play brilliantly. Knowing his team were 90 minutes away from a place in the final, Dudu tracked back when Delhi had possession. At times, he transformed into a makeshift full-back, tracking the likes of Dos Santos and Gadze.

Even though he has made only six appearances this season, one can’t deny that the 30-year-old brings in a sense of intensity and zing, vital to any successful team’s identity. He was eventually rewarded for his efforts five minutes from time as he put Delhi to bed with a typical striker’s finish.

#4 Zicos men produced a rare defensive master class

Quite often, FC Goa have been at the losing end due to basic defensive errors. Tonight, they produced one of the best, if not their best, defensive performance of the season. Lucio and Arnolin combined incredibly well to thwart Delhi’s potent attacking front three.

Special mention must go to Goa’s Bikramjit Singh. The 23-year-old played the defensive midfield role and he executed it to the T. Often Goa have looked disjointed in midfield but tonight, Bikramjit won most of his aerial duels and 50-50 battles. His work ethic would have thoroughly impressed Coach Zico.

With so many attack minded players in this Goa side, Bikramjit provides that much-needed defensive stability in the middle of the park. He will be vital if Goa is to triumph in the final.

#5 Delhi left to rue missed chances in first leg

When the Dynamos hosted Goa in the first leg, they had at least three clear-cut chances to make it 2-0. But they weren’t at their proficient best in front of goal.

Delhi had to settle for a 1-0 win and those missed opportunities proved expensive tonight. The Gaurs were just a tad more ruthless in front of goal.

Playing against the Gaurs on their home turf, Roberto Carlos would have expected his team to do most of the chasing. This is precisely what transpired. As a result, the likes of Nabi and Robin Singh didn’t have one clear goalscoring opportunity tonight. The former even lost his cool and received a straight red for his outburst at the referee in stoppage time.

Looking at the bigger picture, Carlos would have realized those first leg missed chances eventually made the difference over the two legs.