FC Goa remain undefeated in pre-season friendlies after recording a 1-0 win against Vasco Sports Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao, yesterday, thanks to a penalty conversion by captain Robert Pirès. This is FC Goa’s third win in as many games.
In a keenly fought game, both teams 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 the aim was fulfilled when their marquee player was brought down in the penalty box in the 58th minute. The fans were delighted as Pirès himself opened his account for FC Goa with a superb spot kick. Vasco however 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 with the prevailing conditions on the field. Vasco SC 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 were very much in control of the game. The team looks fit and charged. We look set for the league”.
In its first friendly match played some days ago, FC Goa beat Sesa Football Academy by a 3-0 margin and then the India under-19 team by a 4-0 scoreline.
FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 15.
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