Goa are just a step away from laying hands on their sixth National title, when they take on West Bengal in the Santosh Trophy final on Sunday at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.
A two-week long tournament could end with a familiar result with India’s two biggest rival States lock horns for the eighth time in the final of the competition history.
In the previous seven finals, where the two rivals have faced one another, West Bengal have come out top five times, while Goa managed just once. The last of which dating back to the 2009 final, which was widely regarded to be Goa’s best win.
While West Bengal last won the title in the year 2011 when they beat Manipur 2-1 in the final.
The statistics favour the visitors who have won the title for record 31 times while Goa claimed it just five times and it won’t be easy for Goa to win against determined West Bengal. However, Goa coach Mateus Costa aims to change the trend.
“We have to change this tomorrow. I’ve told my boys to stay focus and enjoy the game. This is their hard work,” said Coach Mateus Costa.
“It’s a great feeling to lead the boys here and the whole credit goes to the boys,” added Mateus.
Goa were held to a goalless draw against West Bengal in the group stage, but the visitors had impressive run in the tournament without any big names among their ranks.
“West Bengal are a strong side and play a good football as an unit. But the boys have proved their worth so far giving their best. We are just one hurdle away and I believe and have faith in the squad that they will surpass it,” explained Mateus.
Goa’s display in the tournament had raised eye brows and many wondered whether the boys could even make it to the play-off after their unimpressive performance in the first three games.
“There is always pressure playing in front of the home crowd. We had many problems before the start of the final round. Our main players left the squad with just days to go and we had to start from the scratch. The boys responded well and despite a slow start they gave us the much needed results,” Mateus stressed.
“I’m hoping they will continue with the same grit in the final,” he added.
Mateus’ men had the full squad training at the Rosary ground on Saturday with captain Francisco Fernandes returning to the side.
“The good news is that we don’t have any injury concerns. Francis has also trained with the team today which opened up more options for me for Sunday’s match,” said Mateus.
The rise of the youth has been the biggest revelation for Goa in the Santosh Trophy.
Liston, Akeraj, Latesh and Aaren have got on to the scoresheet while the big names in the team failed to do so. In the midfield, Leander has caught the eye while Assumption has sealed his place as the left wing back.
“These players are really good. It’s a great sign that the youngsters are scoring goals. I’m very much in favour of the young players. I have just Marcus, who have scored goals in the qualifiers, he is just the back-up if something happens. Let the youngsters enjoy the game as they are playing good,” Mateus said showing his faith in the youngsters as the gaffer has started with four U-21 players in the last three matches.
Goa had a light training session on Saturday at Rosary ground, wherein all the players actively participated in the session. The team worked on the set pieces and breakthrough as they look towards nothing less than a win in Sunday’s high voltage final. It can be recollected the last time the two sides met in Goa, West Bengal walked away with the title in 1996.
—
The surprise rise of the young blood!
Goa kicked off the tournament in crisis following the departure of few key players. Despite failing to impress the home crowd with their one-dimensional brand of football, the hosts surprisingly managed to remain unbeaten.
Albeit having some experienced lads in the squad such as former India international Francisco Fernandes, Peter Carvalho and others, it was the young blood that redeemed the team and led them to where they are today.
Out of the seven goals scored so far by the home side — some amazing ones too — six were scored by the U-21 players. Goa’s wonder kid — Liston Colaco — have scored three goals while Latesh, Akeraj and Aaren have scored a goal each.
The hosts have a mix team — combination of experienced and the youth — in their own right, they had a huge target on their shoulder, and to make things worse their performance wasn’t up the mark.
The month long journey required much discipline from all parties, as coach Mateus Costa’s men prepared for the tournament with the squad having to train with different sets of players — with couple of them coming and leaving — either joining I-League clubs or suffering injuries.
Mateus’s first choice players — Richard Costa and Fulganco Colaco — who excelled at zonals were unavailable for the final phase as the duo joined I-League clubs and has left a huge void in Goa’s defence.
Regardless of the disconnected team, the desire to succeed at the National level was instilled in every player and so the intensity was maintained in the tournament.
However, it’s been enthralling couple of weeks for Goa and their supportive fans have backed the team to the hilt. But they still have one big hurdle to jump to claim the prize — the Santoh Trophy — in front of the home fans after 21 years, where they last won in the year 1990 defeating Kerala 2-0 in the final played at Nehru Stadium, Margao.
—
Players to watch out for!
Liston Colaco
Few predicted Goa’s run in the tournament. Goa has marginally scored seven goals so far and the exploits in front of the goal are largely down to Liston Colaco, who scored three and assisted another. The wonder kid wiki again be Goa’s main focus. The 19-year-old striker has risen to every challenge so far and his exploits upfront shows his maturity as a player. Liston dribbling skills and his ability to break the rival defence with his pace and trickery will be a joy to watch in ultimate match.
Cajetan Fernandes
Cajetan has not been Goa’s best player but he has had the most impact in the midfield. It took time for the media to get into stride. He continuously contributed my moving the ball around. Made runs and created space for the teammates and even scored a goal for the hosts. As the tournament progressed, Cajetan became more influential becoming the backbone of the team. His experience in the big games can help Goa in the final against a young West Bengal side.
Peter Carvalho
The midfielder was forced to play as centre back for the hosts after unavailability of defenders for coach Mateus and the former Dempo SC player displayed exceptional performance marshalling the Goa back line. His leadership quality has been outstanding. Peter has been exceptional at winning the ball, tackling clean and men marking that saw the hosts concede just four goals in last five games. His presence at back four will boost Goa’s spirits.
