Yesterday’s (04.10.16) victory of North East United FC at Guwahati, over FC Goa was the deserving victory for the winners and deserving loss for the Goans. No doubt both the teams played a mediocre soccer yet it generated some excitement in the game played by the Northerners especially with the vociferous support for them of the 28000 home spectators in the stadium which was the fantastic evidence documenting the rise of soccer interest in India especially among the youth. Hope this trend will move higher and higher.
With the exception of one Goan lad Mandar Desai, I could not feel any spirited move by any of our forwards, he even at moments rushed to defend his citadel as a token of helping hand to his defense colleagues and custodian who made a big blunder in receiving the first silly goal. This guy Kattimani proved to be an irresponsible goalkeeper in front of the seasoned opponent Emiliano Alfaro who is on constant prowl to grab any given opportunity. His second goal thru the legs of Kattimani was just a class by itself where again a blunder on the part of our keeper to allow the ball pass thru his legs. And on top of it he blames his defenders in an irritating gestures.
This Goan team was sent to Brazil on the advice of Coach Zico to get an advanced training but ultimately what is the result? Inspite of enormous amount of money spent in coaching in Brazil, I don’t find our team is worth admiring. Sinful Casino money will never give blessings and time alone will justify my statement. True sons of Goa, Salgaocar and Dempo both were sidestepped from managing Goan team to make place for a non-Goan Modi not to promote Goan soccer but thru FC Goa to promote Deltin Casino business and for Goans to accept Casino business in Goa. According to my information, Nita Ambani is responsible for bringing in Modi and those who are going to raise black flags and boo Ambani during her next visit to Fatorda Stadium, I support them.
This Goan team does not represent Goa when most of the players are non-Goans. Present FC Goa will never encourage Goan youth to embrace soccer with its anti-Goan policy.
A.Veronica Fernandes.