When the Gaurs galloped, the lions forgot to roar

FC Goa's Reinaldo celebrates after netting the second goal of the day

When the Gaurs gallop , the lions forget how to roar. Instead , the 18,000 odd spectators at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda, broke out into a riot of emotions. Four minutes were enough for Romeo and Mandar to repay Zico with the trust reposed on them. As the match meandered through the ninety minutes and FC Goa walked home victorious 2-0, Zico's storyline read a simple home truth-honesty pays in football too.

Romeo Fernandes time and again proved that he is a different player under the Brazilian's tutelage. He was at the right place , at the right time;handled his opponents with maturity-this included John Riise- and when to release the ball to his colleagues to bludgeon the opponents goal. There were times when he made playing look so easy. Mandar Rao Desai had an equally eloquent ninety minutes on the pitch. The two used the flanks with speed and sent in crosses that had coach Roberto Carlos watch exasperatedly at his team mates on the pitch.

FC Goa's comfort level against Delhi was borne out from the fact that captain Lucio , Gregory Arnolin and goalkeeper Elinton Andrade created a defensive buffer that gave their opponents little room to play into their penalty area. Lucio and Arnolin let nothing pass them - as the stopper backs of the team they covered space and anticipated intelligently.The long range shots were deftly dealt by goalkeeper Elinton. Keenan Almeida and Debabrata Roy who who played as right and left backs were given plenty of room to have a ball. After long , Zico proved that defense is still the best form of attack.

Delhi did enjoy ball possession for the greater part of the first session after being down. Infact , they earned four corners to FC Goa's none. But , that was because they tried to break the FC Goa defense with long shots at goal. With things not working , Carlos thought it best to take the jump himself. His entry in the second half -if anything - proved that sometimes age pulls it's own strings. The closest he came to give a glimpse of his past was when the game had lapsed to extra time.He let go a free kick that for once had Elinton in trouble. The power in his shots had Elinton grappling to avoid the ball rolling in after he stopped it with his body. It showed that age does not always evaporate power.

 FC Goa's second goal reflected opportunism. Spanish Joffre let go a powerful free kick towards Brazilian Reinaldo. The last named sidestepped his marker and smashed the ball past a helpless Delhi goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh.

In a way , that was a cue for Zico that it was time to shut shop for more adventures up front.Luciano Sabrosa came in place of Joffre and Indian Sabeeth replaced forward Reinaldo. Jonatan luca took the place of Moura.

Delhi dynamos did try to make meaningful forays but by then , the FC Goa players were well camped in their own territory. With the numbers in their favour , there was little the men from the North could do.

As the referee blew the long whistle one reality was clear-FC Goa did the right thing leaving the onus on Zico. The man can be trusted. For , just on the first days performance-barring some uneventful mishaps-FC Goa has been moulded to play creative and clean football.

Lucio or Roberto could decide where ISL 2015 rests

Roberto Carlos or Lucio could well decide the way ISL 2015 swings

19,800 spectators  will watch expectantly as FC Goa take on Delhi Dynamos in their  first match of  Hero India Super League (HISL) 2015 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Fatorda. The flight the FC Goa balloon meanders through will define the chaff from the grain.

 Whatever be the outcome of the opener, for the thousands gathered it will be a life time opportunity to watch the greatest proponents of the game- Lucio of FC Goa and Roberto Carlos- demonstrate why football is all about love.

How the game will transcend is difficult to predict because both managers- Zico and Roberto Carlos-refused to divulge the formations they are going to adopt. Football in Brazil is normally translated through the 4-3-3 format.  But, times are changing. With international contours colouring the teams, formats may well be decided to suit the fittest players selected.

“FC Goa is not the only team. There are seven more teams and all want to win. I can tell you we will play good football,” is what FC Goa coach Zico said. Lack of good football is why the number of spectators in the stadiums was dwindling. Good football will galvanise the crowds back to the games.

Whatever be the permutations and combinations  the mantle of taking FC Goa to the pinnacle of the competition and roping in the crowds back will fall only another legend from Brazil-Lucio. The way he caresses the ball will determine whether FC Goa fans are left laughing with joy or fuming. He has shown great form during training. At 38, he has demonstrated he has the years to lead of team of 20 plus.

“I know my responsibility and I am here because I can do what is expected from me. A player can win a game for his team but he cannot win a tournament. The playing eleven have to be one at all times,” is what he said while explaining he was ready for the hugs and brick bats.

Like most teams, FC Goa will utilise the quota of six foreigners in the starting eleven. Captain Lucio and goalkeeper  Elinton  Andrade are sure to find themselves in the starting eleven. Spanish Jofre and French  Gregory Arnolin can be in the scent, of being the first to trudge, onto the pitch too. The presence of the remaining will unfold Zico’s strategy for the tournament.

Romeo Fernandes – who Zico is familiar with since last season – is one among the eight Goans who could have a whiff of the pitch for the full ninety minutes. Victorino Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai appeared impressive during training in Goa.  From the two, Victorino has the penchant for scoring. But , his reliably quotient is lesser then the others vying for a place in the starting eleven. Mandar has played for FC Goa last year. Victorino will be making his debut.

From amongst the foreigners defender Luciano Sabrosa and striker Daryl Duffy  may have to bide their time before they take to the field. Zico can select only the best six and these two may fall in the teams surplus pool.

Football cannot be discussed without Brazil.The HISL is trying to get glamour back to football with the foreigners recruited. From many that have joined this year, two (both Brazilian Lucio and Roberto Carlos) could well decide which way the Trophy goes this year. Will it stay in Goa or will it go North(Delhi)? This discussion might well  be settled by these two Brazilians.