Goa, Jamshedpur renew rivalry in enticing quarter-final tie

by FC Admin April 6, 2019

With an intense rivalry brewing between the two sides over the last two seasons, FC Goa’s clash with Jamshedpur FC in the third quarter-final of the 2019 Hero Super Cup at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday promises to be an enthralling affair. In fact, the two teams met at the same stage of the competition last year in what turned out to be a feisty affair. The match saw a total of six red cards brandished before the Gaurs emerged 5-1 winners.

FC Goa

Considered by many as one of the favourites for this season’s crown, Goa will come into this encounter with plenty of confidence.  The Gaurs had a stellar Hero ISL campaign, reaching the final of the competition, and easily subdued Indian Arrows in their pre-quarterfinal tie of the Hero Super Cup 2019. The usual suspects – Ferran Corominas, Edu Bedia and Hugo Boumous looked to be in fine touch against the Arrows and will look to impress again against Jamshedpur on Saturday to ensure progression to the semi-finals.

During the 2018 edition of the tournament, Sergio Lobera’s side did make it to the semi-finals, before being knocked out by East Bengal. This time around, the Gaurs will look to go all the way.

Jamshedpur FC

After starting out the 2018-19 Hero ISL campaign in fine fashion, Jamshedpur slowly lost steam towards the business end of the season, which ultimately cost them a spot in the top four. The Hero Super Cup presents Cesar Ferrando and Co a second opportunity at silverware and the Miners will be eager to make it count.

Jamshedpur will be playing their first match of the competition after Churchill Brothers’ withdrawal from the pre-quarterfinals handed them automatic qualification to the quarters. Considering Goa have played an extra match, Jamshedpur might consider themselves at a slight disadvantage considering the team will need to adapt to the conditions in Odisha. Nevertheless, Ferrando will take confidence from his side’s record against the Gaurs this season. They dismantled Goa 4-1 at the JRD Tata Complex in November 2018 and managed to take away a point from the Fatorda earlier this year.

Michael Soosairaj made his mark in the Hero ISL during their 4-1 win in Jamshedpur and will look to torment the Goa defence again on Saturday.

With the plethora of attacking talents present in both sides, expect an entertaining fixture at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.

by Aiff media