ACL 2021: FC Goa eye maiden win to stay in rivalry for knock-out phases

Back-to-back defeats could have dented their confidence however FC Goa’s maiden marketing campaign within the AFC Champions League (ACL) can nonetheless be revived in the event that they beat Al Rayyan of Qatar in a reverse fixture right here on Monday.
The two sides performed out a 0-0 draw of their earlier Group E match although the Qatari aspect had dominated most a part of the sport.
While Al Rayyan — on one level from 4 video games — are now not in rivalry for a knock-out berth after struggling three losses, FC Goa are nonetheless within the reckoning for a Round of 16 spot with two factors from 4 outings.
The Goan aspect, league stage winners of the 2019-20 Indian Super League, would even be chasing its maiden win of the ACL after beginning with two goal-less attracts, the opposite one being towards Al Wahda of the UAE.
Juan Ferrando’s Indian aspect have been overwhelmed 2-1 and 4-0 by final version runners-up Persepolis FC of Iran, exhibiting the gulf at school when pitted towards a prime continental membership.
The fancied Iranian aspect uncovered the bodily, technical and tactical inferiority of FC Goa within the final match although Ferrando rested just a few first eleven gamers to protect them for the final two group matches.
Goalkeeper Naveen Kumar made two horrendous errors to let in two targets and he’s sure to get replaced by Moirangthem Dheeraj Singh who was good below the bar.
Dheeraj, although, can be coming off a private tragedy after his nice grandfather from the maternal aspect died few days in the past. Also, his father has examined optimistic for COVID-19.
FC Goa may even be bolstered by the return of captain Edu Bedia, who scored their historic first ACL objective towards Persepolis, after suspension.
“Over 20 days, we have injuries and there is fatigue but it’s very important to have a plan and do our best in the next two games,” mentioned Ferrando.
“We have our own plans and if it’s not working, we will make the changes. It is not like we are stuck at a level and feel we can’t perform. On the contrary, we are making changes to tactics to improve.”
About their opponents, Ferrando mentioned, “They will have some new players on the field but for sure it will be a different match. We will work hard to get a positive result.”
World Cup winner Laurent Blanc’s Qatari aspect sit on the backside of the standings however the Frenchman is satisfied that their place doesn’t do justice to their high quality.
“Yes it’s true we’re out of the competitors however we’re nonetheless not completed right here. We can be motivated to carry out our greatest towards FC Goa tomorrow, not just for this membership but additionally for Qatar.
“We need to win and although we have not performed to expectations, we will strive to get the result. It will be a difficult game against FC Goa because they are very organised.”