Team Herald
PANJIM: The FC Goa team was given a rousing welcome by their fans at the Goa International airport late Tuesday evening.
The team arrived without Arthur Antunes Coimbra (Zico), FC Goa, Head Coach.
A huge crowd was seen waving the team banners and cheered the team as they exited from the arrival gate at the airport. Passengers and taxi drivers made a beeline to get a glimpse of their stars.
“It’s great to see that the team is gelling in well. We seem to have a good balance this year. We expect FC Goa to take the trophy after coming real close last year. The finals will also be held in Goa that should be some motivation for the players and fans as well,” said Savio Pereira a die hard FC Goa fan.
“Judging last season and looking at the competitive side of the ISL, FC Goa have added a lot of new talent to the squad to spice up their Brazilian flair. Their performance has been really good. It’s still keeps us fans thinking and getting us excited for the new season. I’m definitely looking forward to some of new faces,” Savio added.
“The team’s performance in Dubai has been decent enough to keep everyone guessing. The players have a lot more to offer once the tournament is underway. I’m sure everyone is excited and all geared up,” said Bosco Fernandes.
The fans made quite an impression on the FC Goa team on their arrival in Goa, which prompted the players and organizers to respond to the overwhelming crowd on their social media page.
“FC Goa have done extremely well in the pre season friendlies. They have shown extreme improvement in every department of the game specially in defense. We have a better looking team this year and Zico’s Galaticos have shown what they can do to teams from the Middle East,” said Kunal Dcosta fan of FC Goa.
Reinaldo Da Cruz Oliveira, Brazilian striker top scored with three goals during their pre season training held at Dubai. Reinaldo converted off a good pass by substitute Mandar Rao Dessai in their last clash against Hatta Club.
The only Indian player to have scored in the pre season friendlies was CS Sabeeth. He scored on his FC Goa debut against Ajman. The prior matches resulted in a 2-2 against Al Khaleej and 2-1 win over Al Shabab was the only win in the four fixtures eventually played in Dubai.
Reinaldo and Jofre Mateu González, Spanish midfielder, helped FC Goa outplay Al Shabab. Jofre found the back of the net through a deflected free-kick while Reinaldo restored their lead with a brilliant finish that was succeeded from a pass by Romeo who dribbled past two opponents after receiving the ball from Moura.
The Goan outfit faced strong opponents playing four friendlies in Dubai during the month of September.
“The team is good and it was a good exposure to the whole team that played the pre-season friendly matches in Dubai. The team have seen and have had a first hand experience of other teams coaches and managers too,” said Mathew Costa, coach of Sporting Clube de Goa.
Zico has hand picked players to execute the task and FC Goa is sure to make it to finals,”added a confident Mathew.
Alvizio Fernandes, Navelim Villagers, sports secretary and Navelim Veterans, president was amazed at the teams performace. “They have signed Lucio, the Brazilian star and the team put up a good performance in UAE during the pre season friendlies,” said Alvizio.
Anthony D’Costa, sports secretary of St.Jose De Areal said that FC Goa had done extermly well in the pre season friendlies and it was win-win situation for FC Goa with coach Zico.
Joy D’Silva, general secretary of Chandor SC was confident that that FC Goa would make it to final. “Zico is the best coach and we are solidly behind with him,” said Joy.
Dalglish Fernandes, former defender of Guardian Angel had reservations about the FC Goa’s goal conversion rate. “Coach Zico is awesome but the team need some nippy strikers as most of the players are goal shy,” observed Dalglish.
FC Goa were based at Dubai Sports City and took full advantage of all facilities including the indoor FIFA-licensed Football Dome as well as the outdoor pitches and fitness facilities.
The Dubai Sports City is used to hosting top-flight sporting teams including English Premier League clubs like Newcastle United and Swansea City
Brazilian legends Zico and Former World Cup winner with Brazil and a stubborn defender, Lucimar Ferreira da Silva (Lucio) (marquee player for FC Goa) were part of FC Goa’s preparations for the upcoming Indian Super League.
Zico, once described by Pele as ‘the player that is closest to me’, lauded the facilities at Dubai Sports City.
“The squad building process was done well in advance and that resulted in better combination amongst players. Their friendlies in Dubai wherein they played against quality opponents will definitely help them prepare well and put up a good game for the upcoming season,” said Sidhesh Kesarkar, FC Goa supporter from Moira.
“FC Goa is a well balanced team. This time Zico has selected players as per his choice and I feel we will surely be in semi-finals and fear no other team in the league” said Arnaldo Costa, GFA Executive Member.
The FC Goa squad kicked up a storm in the desert winning against Al Shabab, who are a top flight team in the UAE and remained unbeated untill the last pre season fixture against Hatta Club.
