The 2018–19
Indian Super League is in its fifth
season, which started with an exciting match for FC Goa. One of the top Indian
professional football leagues, the FC Goa side has a strong fan following that
keenly participates in the matches, albeit off the field. This involvement
extends to other aspects such as their expectations of how the new players will
set with the team and what charisma they will show after last year’s great
performance.
Johann Conceicao from
Pirna is a die-hard fan of the home club and makes it a point to be at every
match. “This season, the FC Goa squad is well balanced. Defence looks set with
the arrival of Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena. They had a very good pre-season
in Spain. Overall, the team is well set and I think this is their year to bring
the trophy home,” says Johann.
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The overall
performance at the first match was good. They gave a good fight but the
goalkeeper’s mistake stole the win. This is just the beginning and I can’t say
anything based on the first game but I believe this team is better than last
year’s squad,” says Kevin Godinho from Taleigao.
Domnic Paes from
Margao says, “I expect FC Goa to be Champions this season. We made it to the
semis last year and final in 2015. All that remains is to win the trophy this
year. And considering the strength of the squad, it seems quite possible that
we achieve it this year.”
“This
year, I expect the team to go that extra mile and win the cup. We scored the
highest number of goals last season but we also conceded the second most goals,
but I think the defensive weakness we had has been corrected this time by
signing experienced players like Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena. FC Goa is sure
to reach the semis; anything less will be a disappointment,” says Lisa
Rodrigues from Betalbatim.
It has been a
positive start for the tournament. In spite of the early goal, Goa came back
very strongly. The draw at the end was a pretty good result considering it was
an away match. Coro will be the key player in the team and he needs to be in
form. The team looks promising and are definitely title contenders this year.
Viva Forca Goa!
Mario Rodrigues, Nachinola
It’s a good
point to take home, because it was an away match and one point in the bag will
motivate the team in the league ahead. It’s a strong team and I’m sure FC Goa
is one of the title contenders of the league as the team was well built in the
pre-season as well, along with a phenomenal coach in Sergio Lobera; they will
try to make a mark in the league by bringing the Cup home.
AUGUSTIN D’MELLO, Moira
The match was
very interesting as it was a rollercoaster of emotions. They were leading in
the first few minutes and then we were leading for sometime. Coro is our goal
machine. The match turned out to be a draw and the result makes both teams
happy but FC Goa needs to improve on their away matches and get points back
home. I can’t wait for the next match, Forca Goa!
CLIFTON D’CRUZ, Pirna
