Jamshedpur FC went into this game knowing the only acceptable result to head into the play-offs would be a whole 3 points. An expectation that could not be easily fulfilled considering the task at hand. FC Goa are a formidable opponent for any Hero Indian Super League (ISL) team, with their fluid attacking style.
On Sunday, Jamshedpur FC had the look of a team that knew the task at hand and was ready to do what was required to win. Unfortunately, goalkeeper Subrata Paul’s sending-off had an effect on the match that was undesired, derailing Chief Coach Coppell’s well laid plans for the match.
FC Goa took their time to come into their own during this match, but the opportunity for Jamshedpur FC to stake a claim on the match had passed due to the sending off. Compensating for the extra man left the team thin on the ground and dragged back their effectiveness on the pitch.
A barrage of FC Goa attacks was held off by a spirited Jamshedpur FC defense that looked to be up to the immense challenge at hand. However, Manuel Lanzarote threaded his pass through the right for Seriton Fernandes who sent a low cross in for Ferran Corominas. The Spaniard slotted past Sanjiban Ghosh and notched FC Goa’s first goal of the game in the 29th minute.
FC Goa began the second half well, with Corominas getting his second goal of the game in the 51st minute courtesy of a long ball floated in by Manuel Lanzarote. With a firm grip on the game, FC Goa chose to settle back, taking their time to launch attacks at a cautious Jamshedpur FC.
Our opportunities presented themselves few and far between, but FC Goa did well to defend their goal. A quick one-two and cross from Kervens Belfort was the highlight of our chances in the second half, which found Jerry Mawihmingthanga in the box whose shot took a deflection and went wide.
FC Goa was not yet done, and Lanzarote sealed the match in their favor, with Corominas playing provider. As the result seemed set in stone, FC Goa settled into their defensive routine and chose to attack on the break.
Not yet done with their contributions, FC Goa’s goalkeeper Naveen Kumar jumped out of his box to stop a long ball to the charging Kervens Belfort and accepted his sending off for the trouble in the 75th minute.
The game ended with FC Goa getting the result they needed to make the play-offs, while Jamshedpur FC will no doubt feel the match would have ended on a different note had the booking not disrupted their plans.
