ISL: FC Goa V Atletico de Kolkata - 5 Talking Points

FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata walk out to the pitch before the semi-final second legUnlike yesterday's topsy turvy match, the second semi final of the Indian Super League, between Zico's FC Goa and Habas's Atletico de Kolkata, featured an even enocunter. Both sides, had their ups and downs and their crests and troughs. While one dominated possession, the other had better chances. This match also featured the first ever shootut in the Indian Super League. We take a look the the 5 talking point sof this match,

#1 End To End Stuff

Both goalkeepers had a busy evening

Unlike their first encounter in the semi finals, FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata, blazed guns against each other, given the high stakes. Both sides indulged in end to end stuff and often threatened each others goals.

Atletico de Kolkata, relied on their superior midfield to power their attacks, while FC Goa relied on speed, present on their wings, in the form of Romeo Fernandes.

In an exciting encounter, where both teams decided to play their style of game, end to end stuff was regularly witnessed by the Super League audience.

#2 Andre Santos disappoints

A dejected Andre Santos after FC Goa lost on penalties

Fomer Arsenal left-back Andre Santos, would have relished the opportunity be the star of the match in FC Goa’s semi-final match against Atletico de Kolkata. Surprisingly, fortune did not smile on Santos and the former gunner dished out a disappointing performance.

Often caught napping in midfield, while failing to track players back, Santos did not contribute anything to Goa’s defensive structure. Attacking wise, Santos dished out inaccurate passes and lashed over-hit free kicks.

His horrendous form in the semi-final was evident when he missed FC Goa’s opening penalty kick, and added pressure on the Zico masterminded side.

#3 Luis Garcia powers Atletico\'s attack

Luis Garcia-Atletico de Kolkata’s main man

Atletico de Kolkata’s marquee player, Luis Garcia has often been the team’s leading light and once again carried Kolkata’s flag in their encounter against FC Goa.

The former Liverpool midfielder, drove Kolkata’s attack and made up for the absence of Fikru, by testing Jan Seda often. Luis Garcia, with his movement plucked defenders out from their domain, which vacated space for Atletico’s forwards, to capitalize on. The midfield maestro controlled Atletico’s play and provided ammo for Sourav Ganguly’s franchisee. Garcia, often released Atletico’s bombarding wingers.

Luis Garcia, has certainly been a standout performer in the Indian Super League, infused with the ability to capture audience, with a single jab of his foot.

#4 Electric atmosphere

FC Goa supporters turned up in full numbers

With fans pouring in, and stadium capacity almost full, FC Goa’s Fatorda Stadium witnessed an electrifying atmosphere. While, FC Goa’s fans indulged in cheering and supporting the team with vigor, drums and chants,

Atletico de Kolkata’s small travelling contingent identified themselves with roars fo Atletico chants. FC Goa’s loyal army of fans, cheered every touch taken by players of their team and often sung chants to inspire and motivate them.

The Indian Super League has witnessed many support groups, from Kerala’s fanatic home support to NorthEast United’s crazy fan base, and perhaps FC Goa’s home support is one of the best home crowd in the Super League.

#5 Goa fails to make the better of their chances

Atletico’s keeper Edel Apoula Edima Bete was up to every challenge he faced

FC Goa quite easily created better goal scoring opportunities, through out the match. But like their usual self, even during the league stages, the Zico masterminded side although dominated and created chances, failed to capitalize on them.

FC Goa could have easily put the match to bed in the first ninety minutes, but their inability to convert chances, dragged them into the torrid phase of added extra time and ultimately the dreaded penalty shootouts.

The Zico masterminded side tested Edel’s reflexes just thrice, while scooped the ball way off target on nine occasions.