After being awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ in his first-ever International appearance for the Blue Tigers, Rahim Ali said: “The level of intensity in International Football is much higher. The reaction time is much less and that highlights how fast decision making on the field needs to be for any player. I want to build on from here.”

“The seniors have been extremely supportive, and that was a huge motivation in itself. Coach told me not to get tense, and stressed on me doing the same stuff which I do in training,” he added.

Referring back to the first International Friendly against Nepal which ended 1-1, Coach Stimac averred: “The game had two phases. The first 45 minutes wasn’t good, and I am not happy at all. That’s why I made four changes at half-time, and the second half was far better as all could see. We were passing the ball, had good pace on the ball, we were picking up second balls, and coming into the final third with quality – all of which was missing in the first 45 minutes.”

Defender Seriton Fernandes who came in as a substitute in the second half reiterated the “special feeling” of putting on the National Team jersey.

“Whenever any kid starts playing football, representing his country stays his ultimate dream. All these years came rushing through my head when I took to the field,” he smiled.

“There is a feeling of everything and everyone being on the edge at all times during the game. In fact, I have been waiting for a long time to join the camp. This time too me reporting to the National team hit a roadblock and I want to thank the coach for granting me permission to join the team in Nepal.”

Stimac explained that “Nepal relied on tight defensive blocks and counter-attacks.”

“India are the better side – we all agree, and we can play better quality football. Nepal relied on a bad pitch, tight defensive blocks, and counter-attacks. When they came to the final third, they put in dangerous crosses inside the box. The coach has put in a stable composure in the team, they have good discipline, and are showing their quality in many parts of the game.”

The next International Friendly between the two countries is scheduled for September 5.

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: First International Friendly between India and Nepal ends in draw

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

The post Debutants Rahim and Seriton aim to ‘build on from here’ appeared first on Football Counter.

Goa, April 15, 2021: “I just knew that I had to be at my best in the game. It was a very important game for us, but we were not afraid,” said Seriton Ferandnes after FC Goa clinched a point on a historic night for the Gaurs in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night.

Juan Ferrando’s tactics worked to a tee for FC Goa yesterday as the Gaurs played fearlessly in their opening encounter of the AFC Champions League to eke out a deserved point against Qatari giants Al Rayyan. And not many embodied that spirit as well as Seriton Fernandes in the FC Goa colours.

“The coach told us to go out and enjoy the game, to play without fear. I knew that I had to keep making my forward runs because the overlapping runs really put a lot of pressure on their defence,” added Seriton. Speaking to the coach, before the game, he told me to be fearless about going forward.”  

The men in orange not only showed discipline all over the park, but also were able to stay true to their style of football. Ferrando’s men showed both grit and panache to carve out spaces – both in the centre of the park and on the wings time and again.

“It was a big match for us and we came through really well. So yeah, I am feeling really good about our performance and the result,” Seriton continued.

“We knew Al Rayyan would be a really tough game and we had to be at our best. We gave our all on the pitch. We enjoyed the game and sadly missed out on a few opportunities that we had created.”

Seriton Fernandes, on the right flank, had a game to remember. Up against Yacine Brahimi, Al Rayyan’s most prolific player, Seriton was able to keep a check on him for large parts of the game while also providing the Gaurs with a real outlet on the wings with his surging runs forward.

“I knew that he was going to be a problem. I had heard a lot and people were telling me that he is one of the best players in the competition. So I had taken that up as a challenge,” added Seriton.

“And I put in my best effort to take care of the threat he poses and I will have to keep doing that as the upcoming games won’t be any easier.”

After successfully completing the Al-Rayyan test, FC Goa now take on Al-Wahda on Saturday. The team from UAE opened their campaign with a 0-1 loss to Persepolis and will be looking to get one over the Gaurs. However, as Al Rayyan had to learn the hard way, this would be no mean task.

About FC Goa

FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the current holder of the Super Cup.  Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa has been one of the most consistent teams in the ISL – reaching 4 semi-finals and 2 finals in 7 seasons.

In Season 2019/20, the club won the Hero ISL League Winners Shield, by finishing top of the table in the league stages and became the first-ever club from India to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League.

Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa is one of the few Indian Clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. Its U14, U16, U18 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and nationally. The system has produced recognizable talents like Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello and many more.

CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: I always wanted to coach in India and be a champion here – Vincenzo Annese

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

The post Hindsight: Seriton Fernandes and playing without fear appeared first on Football Counter.