5 talking points as FC Goa outclassed Kerala Blasters

by Intern December 9, 2017

A feast repleted with goals, FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters was an enthralling 90 minute battle, which eventually saw the hosts delivering 5 past Kerala Blasters defense, grabbing all three points from Fatorda Stadium, while the visitors managed mustered two goals.

Let’s take a look at the 5 talking points:

#5 Hike in the pace of Kerala Blasters’ attack in the absence of Dimitar Berbatov

Berbatov started the game for the visitors but was forced to leave the pitch soon after the first few minutes. The one thing, we all witnessed in Kerala Blasters’ previous games were the lack of athletic attackers, but today, in the absence of Berbatov, Kerala Blasters were more lethal in counters, and the pace, the team had in the wings, especially by Jackichand Singh was amazing.

#4 No Berbatov, no command in midfield

The absence of Berbatov altered the play of Kerala Blasters, contrary to their previous games, Kerala Blasters midfield looked sluggish against FC Goa, and the getting outclassed by their opponents in the middle of the pitch every now and then. Kerala Blasters misplaced many passes, and the result depicts the shortfall of the responsibility the midfielders held. It was indeed the lose of the command by the midfielders that directed FC Goa launch deleterious attacks, that often went past the Kerala Blasters’ defense.

#3 Inexplicable flaws from shot-stoppers

Manuel Lanzarote Bruno of FC Goa celebrates a goal during match 20 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa, India on the 9th December 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

While Kattimani’s woeful mistakes between the sticks continued, Paul Rachubka had a disastrous day at the office. The two shot-stoppers made inexplicable flaws during the match. Both the outcome of the first goal of Kerala Blasters and second goal of FC Goa could have been avoided.

Kattimani could’ve easily thwarted the first goal, but allowed Sifneos’ weak shot to slip through his hands, and the second goal of the visitors, the goal that Jackichand score could also have curbed away easily by Kattimani. Similar to that of Kattimani, Paul Rachubka’s unforced error saw FC Goa score their second of the night, and the American born English Keeper could’ve done better sometimes though.

#2 Goa orchestrate the play in the middle, attackers dance upfront.

FC Goa’s attacks were just a beauty to watch. Their piercing passes were pure touches of quality. A look at their first goal, the ball was whipped into the box brilliantly by them, and with some stunning finish. The delicate through balls too that setup the third and fourth goal showcased how easily Goa controlled the midfield to set up the riot early in the second half and take the game away from the visitors.

#1 Tenacious Kerala Blasters defense stumble down

A poor display from the defenders, Kerala Blasters’ defense was not even in the picture when the attackers slotted the balls past them. Where were the defenders when Lanzarote pulled his trigger to score the first one? The markings made by Kerala Blasters defenders were not at the right place. The third and fourth goals of the home side completely whacked the defensive shield of Kerala Blasters. On both instances, Coro went past Sandesh Jhingan, and Nemanja to slot the ball into the post, making Paul Rachubka look enervated.

What about the last goal? Sandesh Jhingan was in command to mark Coro, and where was he when Coro made the final touch? Such clumsy plays are the reason for this trounce they’ve received.

Also Read: Can undefeated Jamshedpur defence hold Pune’s goal-hungry strikers?

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