Jamshedpur FC

Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur FC squared off at the noise cauldron, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for match no. 7 of the Indian Super League (ISL) season 4. But the result would disappoint the fans of both the sides as the teams played out a goalless draw. We held the two-time runners-up to a draw at their fortress.

We were seeing more of the ball in the initial stages of the game. However, Kerala Blasters FC got themselves back in rhythm as they were attacking more than the visitors. Iain Hume came up with a delightful cross and found CK Vineeth free in the box. It was a free header for the winger, but he put it wide.

On the other hand, Kervens Belfort, kept the Blasters’ defenders on the heels down the left. The Haitian forward was threatening the defenders much to their discomfort. Many chances were created by us but none of them were converted.

Memo Moura and Jerry came agonizingly close to scoring from a free-kick opportunity. But their goalkeeper Rachubka came up with two super saves to deny the visitors a goal.

Kerala Blasters FC had more of the possession in the second half, but Subrata Paul was not troubled much. Instead, our forwards were seen hovering around the penalty box a lot more than their defenders’ comfort.

The best chance of the game came in the dying minutes of the match. Trindade floated in a tempting ball from the right flank and Belfort climbed on top of it to head it towards the back of the net. But again, Achubka came to the rescue.

“We thought they would come out strong, but I was really pleased with the way we played. Two away games and two points is a good thing. Psychologically, it is a positive feeling,” Steve Coppell was quoted as saying after the match.

If Rachubka did not come up with those incredible saves, we would have tasted our first ever victory in the ISL.

“Rachubka kept us in the game. For me he was the player of the match,” Meulensteen agreed during the post-match interview.

Mehtab Hossain was awarded the Hero of the Match for his brilliant effort in the midfield. His battle on the field with Dimitar Berbatov was one of the things to watch out for.

Match Details: Kerala Blasters FC vs Jamshedpur FC | November 24 | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi

Teams:

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul, Tiri, Shouvik Ghosh, Souvik, Mehtab, Memo, Jerry, Trindade, Kervens Belfort, Izu Azuka.

Kerala Blasters FC: Rachubka (GK), Lalruatthara, Lakic-Pesic, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Rino Anto, Jackichand Singh, Arata Izumi, CK Vineeth, Hume, Dimitar Berbatov.