FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
Team Herald
RAIA: A seventh semi-final appearance in 10 years is on the cards for FC Goa in Indian Super League - but to get there, the Gaurs will have to overcome Chennaiyin FC’s challenge in a single-leg Play-Off game.
FC Goa finished the league stage in the third place with 45 points, while Chennaiyin FC settled for the sixth position, 18 points behind the Men in Orange.
On Saturday, however, when the two teams locked horns against each other at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, none of this will matter.
In what is virtually an eliminator match, the team that wins will advance to the semi-finals where they will take on Mumbai City FC who wrapped up their league campaign as runners-up. Meanwhile, for the side that ends up losing, it will call the curtains down on what would be deemed an underwhelming season.
“FC Goa has never won the ISL Cup before, but the main competition for us has always been the regular season. Finally, this is part of the same tournament, and it’s maybe a more important tournament than the others. So, we’ll try to win,” FC Goa Head Coach Manolo Marquez said at the pre-match press conference, when asked about what he expects from his team this season.
“We will take it step-by-step; try to win on Saturday first, and then speak about the semi-finals which we will play across two legs.”
“Tomorrow’s game can be done in 90 minutes, it may go up to 120 minutes and even penalty shootout may happen. It’s not important as to whether we are famous or not. I feel that if we play in a good way,” he further added.
The Spaniard spoke about home advantage as well, saying, “It’s good that we’re playing at home - this could be a crucial factor as well. We need to make the most out of this chance that we have.”
“I’m more focused on how we are ready to play on Saturday than the numbers and statistics. Our team should not repeat their first 30 minutes from the game on Sunday, and we have the quality to score one, two or three goals in just 10 minutes,” the 55-year-old signed off.
