The ultimate battle for glory has two of the most attacking sides in the ISL 2

by FC admin December 19, 2015

Cavelosim, 19 December 2015:One of FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC will be crowned the new champions of the Indian Super League (2015) in the final clash that will kick off at 7 PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao-Goa, on Sunday evening.

In the entire season, the Gaurs will want their eight victory to count more than the seven prior wins including the 3-0 thrashing of Delhi Dynamos FC to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the first leg of the semifinals and take them to the final.

“Our team is ready. We will play according to the rules. If we have to play extra time or penalties, we will go the distance.We know the team (Chennaiyin) very well. We lost against them (4-0), but the final will be 50-50 for both teams,” FC Goa coach Zico told reporters during the joint conference in the presence of the coveted trophy.

“Despite all the injuries we have suffered throughout the tournament, we have 25 players who can play. Only Raju [Gaekwad] will be out and Reinaldo may play,” he added.

The final being staged in Goa, which is the home of FC Goa, Zico stressed there is no advantage and exclaimed, “The title means crowning of hard work.”

Chennaiyin FC confirmed their spot despite a 2-1 defeat to Atletico de Kolkata courtesy their first leg 3-0 win and not even the 4-0 win over their final opponent when they last played in Goa serves as an assurance to the southern team’s coach Marco Materazzi.

“In our last game, we were defeated (2-0 by FC Goa in Chennai). 20 days ago, we were almost eliminated, we kept fighting the odds and now it is 50-50,” expressed the Italian.

“We are ready to play for 90 minutes or 120 minutes, but when it comes to the final the crucial part is to play your heart out. We are ready to give everything we have for tomorrow’s (Sunday) game,”Materazzi stated.

Captain’s thoughts:

“The final is an equal chance for both teams. Every game has its own story. In this game (final), the team which has more balance and plays the best football will win,” FC Goa skipper, Lucio intoned.

Chennaiyin captain Elano voiced that, “Both sides are dangerous and both play attacking football. More concentration and less mistakes will be the deciding factor.”