SULLIVAN NORONHA
MARGAO: After a hard fought win in the first leg of the semi-finals against FC Goa in Delhi, the Delhi Dynamos now travel to Goa’s fortress – the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda in a bid to one up their opponents. Having lost twice during the league stage of the competition to Goa, it came as quite a surprise when the franchise from the capital city manage to edge out Zico’s men 1-0 for their first ever victory against them.
Goa, on their part will want to avoid the same fate as last year by reaching the finals this time around. To do that, they will have to beat Roberto Carlos’ men by two goals.
Zico was quick to point out that the opposition did not reign supreme over them in Delhi.
“Delhi weren’t much better than us in the last game. Both teams had their fair share of chances but the difference is that Delhi took theirs,” said the Brazilian legend at the pre-match press conference.
In a blow for the home side, striker Reinaldo and defender Raju Gaikwad both hobbled off the pitch in Delhi and appear to be unavailable for the upcoming game. Returning striker, Rafael Coelho however, did make a substitute appearance from Goa and should be in line to start the game.
“I don’t see any difference between the teams from the start of the season. If something has changed, it has got to be the fact that the players are now more tired. That is all,” said Zico.
Florent Malouda, Delhi’s star midfielder this season with eight assists, at the press conference said the Lions were fully focused on reaching the final.
“I would say that I always get a lot of attention [from the opposition] and I see that as a mark of respect. And the way I see this game for us, for our side, is to go in without calculations. Whenever we went in with calculations [in the past], it wasn’t good for us. So I think what is important is we are confident. In the league stage, we lost twice against Goa, the first game here, we lost 2-0 and we have learnt from those two games and now we are thinking about reaching the final. There is focus on the game and I’ll make sure everyone in my side is focused like this. We came here to be in the final.”
The former France international also shared Delhi’s success formula this season. “I always say when you build a team, you build from the back, a really strong foundation, good defensive organisation. After that you just find the right balance”.
