FC Goa look to overturn deficit against Delhi Dynamos

Delhi Dynamos will have their task cut out when they lock horns with hosts FC Goa, who will be eager to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their return leg semifinal of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) football here tomorrow.
Seeking to make the final and play in front of their home crowd on December 20, FC Goa found the going tough in the first leg semi-final as they went down for the first time in five meetings against Dynamos. They will need to win tomorrow by a 2-0 margin if they are to enter their maiden final.
FC Goa adopted a defensive approach and attacked on counters in their last match against Dynamos. The ploy did work as they created chances but failed to score until their opponent struck the only goal through Robin Singh in the first half after defender Raju Gaikwad got injured.

FC Goa coach Zico said, "It was a good match as both the teams played equally. We did well to soak the pressure until defender Raju Gaikwad got injured and they took the advantage and scored against us in the dying minutes of the first half, which ultimately remained the match winner.
"Just like them we too had chances to find the equaliser but our players failed to cash in. But tomorrow we need to remain more sharp in shooting if we are to win and qualify for the finals."
Delhi Dynamos, who are high on confidence after their solitary goal win, will be contend with even a draw. Both the teams met each others thrice this season, with Dynamos winning the last game.

Delhi Dynamos' marquee manager cum player Roberto Carlos is happy to be here once again.

"The last time they (my players) came here they lost but now they have come here with an advantage of beating them at home in the first leg semi-finals and want to repeat the same over here. My teams always played attacking game and will not change the pattern as we need one goal to enter the finals."
The 2002 Brazilian World Cup winner and Real Madrid great added: "My players are all motivated and ready to take on Goan side and looking for entertaining contest. Our boys have learnt from their mistakes in their earlier two matches which we have played against them and were able to beat them in the last match.

Head coach Nelo Vingada knows that his side will get a good support from the crowd, but he said tomorrow's match would be the toughest for his side so far in the league.
"Delhi are a strong side and they have quality players. They beat Chennaiyin in Chennai and then drew with Kerala. They have big players like Florent Malouda, so it will be a tough match tomorrow," said the Portuguese, who is nicknamed 'The Professor'.
"For me, tomorrow's match will be the most important and most difficult so far in the league for two reasons. First, Delhi are a strong and well organised side. Secondly, we are playing our fifth match in two weeks. It is harsh on us but we hope to beat Delhi tomorrow," said Vingada who has coached the national teams of Saudi Arabia and Jordan while also been the assistant coach of Under-20 World Cup winning Portugal team twice.

Asked if NorthEast could make it to their maiden semifinals this season, he said, "Look, the beginning has been good so far and out aim to be in the play-offs. But it is early days and we are in the semifinals yet and we cannot be complacent.
"There is not much of difference in the level of play among the eight teams and any team can beat any other team."
NorthEast will be without defender Nirmal Chhetri who was sent off in the match against Kerala.