ISL 2015, Match 12: NorthEast United FC vs FC Goa

FC Goa recovered from an early blow to beat NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) 3-1 in their match on Thursday. Local boy Pradhan sneaked the ball past his marker and crossed it beautifully for Dadzie to head the ball home. Raju Yumnam’s cross from the left found Sanju Pradhan on the right.

After being “destroyed completely” at the Fatorda by Marco Materazzi’s side, FC Goa will be looking to get back to their usual exuberant selves against a North East defence that has come under intense scrutiny. Jonathan Lucca restored parity in the 28th minute.

FC Goa found themselves down by a goal in the 12th minute when Francis Dadzie headed home. Goa coach Zico fielded a team with five changes while NEUFC chose to go ahead with an unchanged squad. It was Jofre who ran in from the right but his shot was blocked by Cedric Hengbart; but the deflected ball moved towards the penalty spot.

Reinaldo of FC Goa celebrate after making it 2-1 against NorthEast United.

Thereafter, the visitors upped the ante and continued to attack in numbers. In the first half injury time, Joffre kick-started a counterattack along with Reinaldo. The Brazilian sent Sabeeth in the clear but the former Mohun Bagan striker couldn’t get his shot away with Bracigliano off his line. It was Joffre again who was the architect of the goal as he dribbled past a couple of players on the left-flank and took aim at goal where the defenders managed to block but simply ball-watched as Reinaldo pounced on the rebound from close range to score his second goal in the league.

Up against a team which is yet to open their points kitty, the Goans would rely on the likes Brazilian Leonardo Moura, Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandez to put it across NorthEast United who have lost both their matches. Reinaldo passed for Moura who sent a ball between Reagan and Ralte for the onrushing Dessai. The lack of experience clearly showed as NE could not stop the Goan assault.

Farias was quick to correct the same and a trip to the Balewadi stadium ensured that the Highlanders put up a much stronger performance but an own goal from Zogmingliana Ralte was the turn of bad luck that saw them lose out on any points against FC Pune City. North East’s troubles are similar to last season, when they could not respond after going down.

Materazzi’s change in tactics in the last match worked wonders for the side and the Italian World Cup victor will hope to implement the same against Mumbai and come out victorious.