DSK Shivajians downs Blues courtesy Quero’s brace

by Chittu Shetty May 11, 2017

Juan Quero’s second half brace ensured DSK Shivajians are still in contention for the Federation Cup semi final spot after the win against Bengaluru FC

Failing to penetrate DSK’s robust defence, Blues payed for their profligacy as Juan Quero penalty (71′) and a stunning free-kick (76′) ensured a win for Dave Roger’s men with a semi final spot still wide open.

DSK Shivajians started the game with the returning Subrata Paul in goal after a controversial few weeks. As many as six U22 players started in the playing XI with Kim Song-Yong in attack and Juan Quero pulling strings from midfield.

Bengaluru FC started in their usual 3-4-2-1 with Udanta Singh, Sunil Chhetri and Daniel Lalhlimpuia in the attack, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Cameron Watson controlling the midfield alongside Nishu Kumar and Khabra manning the wings. New signing, Cornell Glen for the second game running started at the bench.

In a cagey first-half, both sides started in an expected manner with Bengaluru FC dominating possession and DSK Shivajians working on the counter. The mid-afternoon heat made it difficult for players as they tried preserving the energy which meant less action in the first half. Couple of notable chances that did came along was for Bengaluru when John Johnson’s header was saved on the line by jerry while a Nishu Kumar cutback was met by a Daniel’s first time shot that was well saved by the DSK custodian.

Also Read: Kingfisher East Bengal play out a draw against Churchill Brothers in Hero Fed Cup opener

Second half saw more action as the blues went ahead looking for an opening while DSK slowly built confidence in their counters. Blues captain Sunil Chhetri had a hard time controlling the game as he was well marked by an impressive jerry.

In the 69^th minute, DSK finally managed a successful counter when Chhangte was brought down in the box by the blues keeper Ralte. Juan Querro stepped up for the spot kick and made no mistake by sending the keeper the wrong way as he dispatched the ball in to the net. Rocked by the goal, Blues went forward again but once again on a counter Udanta in a desperate attempt to stop chhangte from getting one-on-one with keeper, fouled him at the edge of the box. But keeper Ralte’s poor wall judgement meant Querro sending in a perfect ball past the two man wall in to the net with the blues custodian stranded to his feet.

Blues poured men forward in a desperate attempt to find goals but failed to break the Shivajians defence. In the last minute of the injury time, Captain Sunil Chhetri almost scored from a free kick outside the box only to be denied by a diving Subrata.

Dave Rogers’ men now have three points, alongside Bengaluru but a better head-to-head record seeing them placed second in Group B ahead of Bengaluru FC. DSK has a good chance of making it to the semi final if they manage to win against Churchill brothers on Friday.