In a keenly fought out game, FC Goa got their game going on home ground with Robert Pires as captain. Both team had a number of chances to take the lead but the first half ended 0-0. FC Goa players strung a number of passes around the field to the delight of the fans that filled up the west stand.

In the second half FC Goa came out with the sole aim of winning this game and remaining undefeated. And the aim was fulfilled when FC Goa’s marquee player Robert Pires was brought down in the penalty box in the 58^th minute of play. The fans were delighted as Pires opened his account for FC Goa with a superb spot kick. Vasco SC played out their hearts and also got the fans cheering as the game came to a close.

Said Manager and Chief Coach Zico post the match, “We wanted to play at the same time as when the matches will be held to familiarize ourselves to the prevailing conditions on the field. Vasco Sports Club played well. We had a few opportunities but didn’t convert them. But the team is shaping up well with new additions like Ranti Martins and Narayan Das getting game time today.”

Added co owner Shrinivas Dempo, “FC Goa was very much in control of the game. The team looks fit and charged. We look set for the league”.

Ahead of ISL, which will begin on October 12, the franchise teams have been playing friendly matches with various football clubs. In its first friendly match played some days ago FC Goa triumphed over Sesa Football Academy by a margin of 3 goals (Score 3-0) and scored a win against the India national U-19 team with a score of 4-0.

Zico has begun putting the FC Goa lads through the motions at team training sessions and is gearing for the first season of the ISL.

FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyans FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao on October 15, 2014.

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Ahead of ISL, which will begin on October 12, the franchise teams have been playing friendly matches with various football clubs. In its earlier friendly matches played some days ago FC Goa triumphed over Sesa Football Academy by a margin of 3 goals (Score 3-0) and scored a win against the India national U-19 team with a score of 4-0.

FC Goa players training at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa,

FC Goa’s marquee coach, Brazilian legend and three-time World Cupper Arthur Antunes Coimbra fondly known as Zico has been putting the FC Goa squad through a rigorous training schedule and is gearing up for the first season of the ISL.

FC Goa recently roped in two of Dempo SC’s foreign imports – Australian Tolgay Ozbey and Haroon Amiri of Afghanistan – for the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Former Dempo player Ranty Martins presently with East Bengal has also been selected by FC Goa to be part of the squad weeks before the start of the ISL. Forrmer Arsenal and Brazil international player Andre Santos is expected to join the squad shortly.

FC Goa, one of the eight teams to compete in the 2014 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) to be held between October and December has already established a significant fan base. Fans, both young and old, are rooting for the team from Goa

The post FC Goa to take on Vasco Sports Club at a friendly match this Thursday at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda appeared first on Football Counter.

FC Goa marquee player Robert Pires along with the India Under 19 player before the kick off

In a fast paced first half FC Goa came out all guns blazing to take the lead via a Haroon Amiri goal in the 19th minute of play. FC Goa pushed on for a second but the India under 19 team held on and almost scored on the counter attack. With the first half coming to a close, Miguel Herlein scored a cracker of a shot from 20 yards to make it 2-0. The young boys from the India under 19 team came close on a number of occasions to get on the score sheet but Jan Seda held his line in goal.

In the second half FC Goa scored two quick goals to increase the lead. First Gabriel Fernandes scored to make it 3-0 and the next goal came from Holicharan Nazarath to take the lead at 4-0.

Said Manager and Chief Coach Zico post the match, “This level of performance was expected after the daily training and commitment that the team has been putting in everyday. The team now understands how I want them to play in terms of formation and performance. At the end of 90 minutes Im happy with how the team played.

Speaking on Pires he said, “ Pires’ presence on the field is important. He played well and assists the team. I’m satisfied with his performance and that of the team”.

Added co owner Mr. Dattaraj Salgaocar, “The team is shaping up well. They are gelling well and playing as a team. The players are committed and are playing with passion. This match has been a fast-paced entertaining match. I’m sure as the days go, they will gel and play together even better ”.

Ahead of ISL, which will begin on October 12, the franchise teams have been playing friendly matches with various football clubs. In its first friendly match played some days ago FC Goa triumphed over Sesa Football Academy by a margin of 3 goals (Score 3-0).

Zico has begun putting the FC Goa lads through the motions at team training sessions and is gearing for the first season of the ISL.

FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyans FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao on October 15, 2014.

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Holicharan Nazary scored the first of three goals in the 30th minute, here at Vasco’s Tilak Maidan Stadium. FC Goa’s marquee player, former French international and Arsenal star Robert Pires started the game, much to the happiness of all the fans that were present to witness the legend in action. The FC Goa marquee player played just over 45 minutes as he was substituted in the second half to a rousing applause from the fans. The second and third goals came in quick succession as Miguel Herlein and new recruit Tolgay Ozbey scored in the 75th and 86th minute respectively. The first match of FC Goa saw an enthusiastic crowd of spectators turn up to cheer and support their favorite team.

Ahead of ISL, which will begin on October 12, the franchise teams are playing friendly matches with various football clubs in Goa. Apart from this, North East United played a match with Tuff Laxmi, which resulted in a draw.

FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyans FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao on October 15, 2014.

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