Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: It was pandemonium at the Fatorda stadium on Sunday night as FC Goa were handed a thrashing by Chennaiyin FC, courtesy of a John Stiven Mendoza hat-trick.
Marco Materazzi ensured that Chennai exploited FC Goa’s lack of pace in the back line with Mendoza, Thoi and Jayesh Rane’s work rate. The Blues of Chennai scored at regular intervals and ensured that FC Goa had no say in the proceedings.
“Not sure we can point out one thing that went wrong today. From the beginning of the game they were quicker than us, better than us. It is a day we need to forget as quickly as we can and move on to the next game,” said a dejected Darryl Duffy after his side’s defeat.
“This is the first defeat of the season. There’s only three games gone and still a very long way to go. Yes, it is an extremely disappointing defeat and nobody wants to lose like that at home in the manner that we did. We stuck together when we won and drew the previous game. We will stick together now as well as we move forward,” he mentioned.
A major talking point at the end of the game was FC Goa’ fixture list which compelled them to play three games in eight days. On being questioned if that was a tough ask for the squad, Duffy responded in the negative.
“Not at all as our training has been good. We have been doing recovery very well with ice baths, recovery sessions in the pool and very light sessions. So our recovery and training was very good and it’s the same for every team in the league. Every team has to play games in short periods of time so I don’t think that was a problem,” he elucidated.
The Gaurs’ number nine made his debut for FC Goa as a second half substitute and the Scottish striker opines that he would be happy to take the victory over having made his first appearance.
“If I could change it and not have my debut and we win the game, I would take that. Obviously on a personal note to make my debut was good but I’d much rather make debut in better circumstances. I’d change it in a second and delay my debut for a win,” said the former Swansea City striker.
