FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Taking each game at a time, Juan Ferrando guided FC Goa to their fourth consecutive playoffs after holding Hyderabad FC to a goalless draw and claim that 1 point which was enough to see them through in the Indian Super League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.
The Gaurs were calm and composed. They knew they needed to defend well to get the desired result and they did it brilliantly as Ivan Gonzalez and Dheeraj Singh pulled off crucial saves in the stoppage to help Goa create a new record of going 13 games without facing a defeat.
For Hyderabad FC it was a disappointing moment as they did everything right this season but the last game saw them bow out of the competition. HFC are unbeaten in 2021 and have extended their run to 12 games, but that’s not they were looking at besides a win. Only a win could have saved their beautiful season.
Playing without their main players was always going to be difficult for Hyderabad. They missed the services of their regular scorer Aridane Santana (fourth yellow) upfront and Chinglensana Singh (red card) in defence. But the Nizams were up for the challenge and were able to match their opponents.
HFC made it difficult for Goa with incessant pressing all over the pitch and had a few chances in the opening minutes. What they lacked was the poacher’s instincts in the final third.
Goa, as usual, dominated possession and passing but they couldn’t convert it into chances. The first half had zero shots on target as neither goalkeeper was called into action much.
Going through their past records, both sides have scored maximum goals in the second session and FC Goa rang in an early warning when Alberto Noguera set Redeem Tlang free on left. The winger covered some distance and crossed to Alexander Jesuraj, who was late to react and threaten the defence.
With HFC trying to get the required goal to progress, the tempered flared along with the pressure as Edu Bedia, Tlang and Juao Victor went into the referee’s books within the span of nine minutes.
Hyderabad FC had their best opportunity in the 84th minute. Victor chipped in a delightful ball into the box from outside the box. Chianese and Colaco, both of whom made runs in behind, failed to head in from close range. That should have been converted.
After being withdrawn, Lluis Sastre was shown a red for throwing a bottle at FC Goa bench. Alberto Noguera also received a yellow and will miss FC Goa next match.
Hyderabad FC nearly took the lead in the injury time but Ivan Gonzalez came with a crucial interception to deny Liston Colaco from scoring a simple tap in. Later, Adil Khan almost scored an own goal but an alert Dheeraj pulled off a stunning save to send his team into the playoffs.
