ISL 2015 semi-finals: Delhi Dynamos 1-0 FC Goa - 5 Talking Points

Delhi Dynamos rallied to beat FC Goa 1-0 in the first leg of the first semi-final of the 2015 Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Friday night. A goal from Robin Singh late in the first half saw Roberto Carlos get the better of Zico as Delhi beat Goa for the first time in ISL history.Although the home side squandered a few chances, they managed to hold on to the lead and go to Goa with a slender one-goal advantage. Here are the major talking points from the game.All images courtesy of ISL

#1 Big match, big player - Robin Singh

Delhi’s number 9 scored his fourth goal of the season tonight. Robin Singh was caught in an ultra-physical battle with FC Goa’s defensive duo of Lúcio and Gregory Arnolin. And he found his disposition seriously tested.

But Robin fought from the very first minute and led the line with supreme confidence and intent. His goal was a classic striker’s goal that every number 9 relishes. Chicao whipped in a cross from the right wing and Singh was quick to rush across his marker, Lucio, and guide the ball past goalkeeper Kattimani.

There weren’t many who would have given Delhi a chance based on their previous duels with Zico’s men. But tonight, Robin’s composure in front of goal changed the perceptions of quite a few.

#2 Contrasting styles at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

On an evening filled with sub plots, FC Goa visited the capital with intentions of taking an advantage back home. The Gaurs were their usual self, playing some expansive, probing football. Delhi, though, have been cautious in their approach throughout the season and tonight was no different.

The home side’s patient build-up play altered into some quick-fire intricate passing in the final third. The likes of Nabi, Florent Malouda, Dos Santos and Robin Singh looked extremely sanguine on the ball.

Goa, on the other hand, played largely on the counter-attack in what was a pulsating semi-final between two high-quality teams. The match was open, rapid and swung like a pendulum between counter-attack and close control.

#3 In-form Reinaldo frustrated by Delhi defence

Goa’s Brazilian striker Reinaldo currently sits third in the goalscoring charts with seven goals to his name in ISL 2015. But he couldn’t add to his tally tonight as he just couldn’t get going. The forward never got himself completely involved in the game.

As a result, Goa’s midfield didn’t really have a reference point to look out for. In fact, the visitors had quite a few chances to break on the counter but they were rusty in the final third. At times, Reinaldo switched to the wings but Delhi’s back four snuffed out any kind of threat that he would have been expected to pose.

John Arne Riise imposed himself on the forward and stifled the experienced South American all night long. Understandably, he was replaced at the hour mark.

#4 Delhi could have easily scored more goals

The Dynamos thoroughly expressed themselves on the pitch and improvised in the final third in the first leg of the semi-final at home. Nabi missed a glorious opportunity from inside the box and Malouda squandered a wonderful opportunity to add to the scoreline when Shylo Mama played in a deft through ball to find him inside the box.

The former Chelsea man received the ball on his stronger left foot but slashed the ball wide. The angle was a bit acute but Malouda would have expected himself to bury that one.

In the first half, Goa did not have a single shot on target. Put that down to Delhi’s dominance when going forward. The Dynamos knew they had to score first which they did. But in not finding that elusive second, they head to Goa with the tie on a knife-edge.

#5 Dos Santos and his dancing feet

The winger was superb tonight. Every time he had the ball, the crowd erupted. From the left wing, Dos Santos went on his typical mazy runs. Often he made minced meat of the opposition.

More importantly, he released the ball at the right time, all the time. When Dos Santos had the ball, he automatically attracted two, at times three, players towards him. He was at his very best tonight and created chaos in Goa’s half throughout the 90 minutes.

He deservedly received the man of the match award and the 21-year-old was unlucky not to get on the score sheet. After dancing past three players, he unleashed one with his left foot. But goalkeeper Kattimani pulled off a wonderful save to deny him.

The Brazilian will be the man to watch in the second leg.