FC Goa adapt to Zico’s style, defeat India U-19 4-0
(Goa, 4 Oct 2014) In a friendly match played between Indian Super League (ISL) franchise team FC Goa and the India national Under 19 team, FC Goa triumphed over the national U-19 team by a margin of 4 goals. This is FC Goa’s second win in as many games.
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.
Manager and chief coach Zico said 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.