Day 19, Match 17, Kerala's first win!

Courtesy:ISl

Pune City opened their account when they met FC Goa while Kerala Blasters settled for a draw with the table-toppers, Atletico de Kolkata. Both the teams had an upbeat morale when they faced each other at Shree Shiva Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune. But this time it was James' team that put paid to Colomba's side. We have said it in our earlier article as well that Kerala is a strong team that deserves a win and now they have finally broken the jinx.

FC Pune city (1) - Kerala Blasters (2)

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Within three minutes of the kick off, a yellow card was handed to Tapan Maity. Iain Hume tried to tap the free kick with a header but the ball went above the goal. An early yellow card came for the guests as Nirmal tackled Maity. The home team looked worried as they could not get the ball inside the box but soon they put this tension to bay and with a beautiful ball delivered by Goossens, Trezeguet gave Pune its lead(15'). The team looked confident after the goal and played well. James substituted Renedy for Ishfaq Ahmed who tripped Maity near the half line. Hume wasted yet another free kick by firing the ball above the cross bar. A well taken corner by Pearson denied Pune its lead as Sabeeth did not waste any time to convert it into a goal. Jhingan got booked for his rash tackle on Ashutosh. Mehtab was replaced by Milagres just before the half time whistle.

CourtesyISL

The second half was started with both the teams standing at par. Belardi had to leave the turf for Arindham as the keeper got injured. After a corner for Kerala, Park was called on the ground for Maity. Sabeeth and Jhingan presented a beautiful game by dominating the left flank. Orji was finally called for Gusmao. Goossens was also substituted for Bolado. Orji received a thorough ball through Hume from the right flank and gave his team a lead. He tried to increase the goal difference but was held by the keeper. Pune tried hard with a corner and a free kick to come back but failed . Kerala enjoyed the possession and Orji tried once again giving the keeper a tough time. 'Hero of the Match' was Iain Hume.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

After the match Goossens stressed that they must at least win the home games and Colomba highlighted his team's errors. Truth be told, Kerala is a really good team with bad time. Now that the team has had the taste of a win, we are sure that James will boost his men to become greedy for this pleasure. We suggest that Hume, like Do (Northeast United), should spend some time on the bench.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our 'Man of the Match' is Penn Orji. It came as a little surprise that Orji was not in the Line-up for starting 11 but we couldn't agree more with James' strategy of bringing the Nigerian in the second half. Orji always has a great impact on the game and this is the second time that we have chosen him for the honour.

Day 18, Match 16, yet another draw for Delhi!

Courtesy:ISL

It is becoming Delhi's habit to share match points with the opposite team. As Delhi hosted the 16th match of the League, Delhi Dynamos faced North East United FC and settled for a goalless draw. Though no ball could meet the net, teams made sure that the match stays interesting. A neck to neck fight with a background music of cheers for both the teams, looked like a jamboree.

Delhi Dynamos FC (0) - North East United FC (0)

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Del Piero won the toss and North East United started from right to left with long ball. Ricki Herbert decided not to play Koke and Capdevila, giving the Captain's armband to Garcia. Durga Boro who has been an eminent player for the North East but missed various shots. Keene had a good run but went off-side. Delhi holds a record of minimum fouls, tackles and yellows, but, Mulder was not in a mood to add on to the record. He did not follow Mendy's or Gregory's route but he surely went mischievous. Del Piero was in great form. He first took a left footer and then a right one but missed minutely. Keene and Raymaekers broke into an animated chat as the former pulled jersey while the latter was taking a shot. Josl dominated the right flank but went slow in the middle of the first half. Junker's header couldn't replicate his previous match's goal. Del Piero again came into action but his precise free kick was saved by the Indian keeper while Boro gave a away a free kick from a dangerous place. Josl was booked for over reacting. Van Hout denied Keene a lead  by catching the ball. He made an otherwise tough catch look so easy and effortless because of his height. First half ended with no goal but it belonged to the home team. Del Piero's performance was commendable.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

The second half started with Herbert's young boys looking very active. They came into attack mode instantly but Raymaekers saved Delhi. He made a foul on Keene. Piero was substituted for the Brazilian forward, Dos Santos. There was cat calling in the crowd as they could not agree with van Veldhoven's move. After Piero's quality game, they were expecting their captain to open his account. Junker fell on the turf and got booked. Felipe was booked too for going aginst referee's decision. Josl was also substituted for Bertos. Both the managers took risk with substitutions. Adil khan made way for Noaba Singh. NEUFC's midfield got better. Boro also left to give opportunity to Len. Junker was replaced for Skouba and Keene for Padila. The substitutions highlighted Manager's want for an opener. Unfortunately, their desire was not fulfilled as the game ended in none's favour.

Out of all the substitutions, replacing Piero for Santos was the worst. The young forward lacked experience which was desperately needed on the ground. Herbert did great to not use Do in this game.

Courtesy:ISL

Our 'Player of the Match' is same as the 'Hero of the Match', the Dutch midfielder, Hans Mulder. His curling crosses and dancing feet are a delight to watch. He initiated attacks while shielding van Hout.

Day 16, Match 15, Annihilation!

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The Chennaiyin ground prepared itself for the kick off between Mumbai City FC and the home team, Chennaiyin FC. Both the teams lost their last matches and both would want to re-establish themselves. This was the début match of the French forward Anelka. The game ended in the home team's favour while Anelka failed to make any impact. 

Chennaiyin FC (5) - Mumbai City FC (1)

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Chennai looked overambitious, may be it's the effect of their previous loss. It was raining goals in the first half. The first goal came from Elano's penalty kick due to Friedrich's rash tackle on Valencia. Anelka dominated the right flank but Chennaiyin defenders held him from further advances. Mendy's elbow hit Andre Moritz' chest hard. The Brazilian failed to use the free-kick positively, though. Poor defence by Mumbai led to Jeje's goal (assisted well by Elano). The home team kept on pushing for a third goal as well because two weren't enough for them after their match against Delhi. Friedrich gave away another free kick to the home team which Valencia converted into a third goal with ease. Valencia scored his second goal for the evening from a beautiful aerial from Khabra to give him team a 4-0 lead well before first half.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Horrified Reid started the second half by substituting Didika for Tiago. Moritz made a mistake of an illegitimate tackle on Valencia, giving away yet another free kick to Chennai. Elano failed to convert it into a goal or else this could have been another blow for Mumbai. Khabra also picked up a yellow. Chennai made its first substitution as Materazzi made way for Djordjic. After Moritz' vacant attempt to open his team's account; Elano scored his (in 4 games) and his team's fifth goal. Valencia was substituted for Cristian. The Chennaiyin forward did not look please with his manager's decision. Dhana entered for Suarez. Finally, Moritz put in a good corner that Nabi smashed the goalkeeper with a header. Mumbai finally opened for the evening. 'Hero of  the Match' was Elano.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our 'Player of the Match' is the Brazilian midfielder, Elano Blumer. With 5 goals in 4 appearances,  becoming ISL's top scorer so far. He has been consistent in all the matches he has played. 

Day 15, Match 14, Pune's first win!

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The Maharashtrian derby is back again and this time it was FC Pune City and FC Goa. Both the teams have not been able to create any major impact in the League, staying firmly in the lower half of the standings. Robert Pires of FC Goa has been banned for two matches following his action with Kolkata's manager, Habas. The absence of the Marquee player costed the team a great deal as they lost 2-0 to FC Pune City. For Pune it was an important win as it was their first home game.

FC Pune City (2) - FC Goa (0)

Courtesy:ISL

FC Pune City gave a delight to the home audience as they acquired lead in the first half itself. The visitors had higher ball possession and created better chances through the efforts of Gabriel, Bengelloun and Martins. Their passes were strong and did give mini heart attacks to Pune. However, the game changed after Gabriel was replaced by Romeo because of an injury. The later part of the first half belonged to the home team. The Brazilian defender, Santos, who is used as a winger in the League put in great efforts to save his team but an off side header costed the them a great deal. Katsouranis' 42nd min goal came as a blow to Goa but provided content to the home team.

Courtesy:ISL

Pune energetically started the second half with two on target corners. Palacios' pretend dive led him to a yellow card. Gregory was involved in the head butting series with Fikru (Fikru is banned for two matches). He did not restraint himself from adopting his previous match's attitude and put a strong challenge on Palacios giving the home team a dangerous free kick. This was the time when Zico's men were to raise their game and be extra cautious in giving unnecessary fouls. Santos missed again as the ball could not beat the cross bar. His next effort too was denied an equalizer. Gregory's bad timing for the pass led to Trezeguet's maiden goal of the League. The home side was two goals ahead of the visitors. 'Hero of the Match' was  Pune's Katsourani.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our Player of the Match is FC Goa's Andre Clarindo dos Santos. Zico used the fellow Brazilian as a winger and he created a great impact in the game. It was Santos who looked reliable. We see great potential in the Fenerbahce player.

          ** we suggest Zico to drop Gregory for the next match.

Day 15, Match 13

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Kerala Blasters FC met Atletico de Kolkata on the latter's home pitch, Salt Lake stadium. Pitiably, Kerala couldn't leap forward much in the standing as both the teams had to settle for a draw.

Kerala Blasters FC (1) - Atletico de Kolkata (1)

Kolkata has been under scrutiny after their less than friendly match against FC Goa. Following the controversy Habas(action against Pires) faces a 4 match ban while their star striker, Fikru (physicality against Gregory), has been stated a 2 match ban. Garcia also sat on the bench because a hamstring injury. It was a golden opportunity for James to take advantage of the situation as it was highly probable that their opponent will try to restrict their previously dominating brutal form. There were high expectations from Hume.

Coutesy:GoogleImages

With the kick off, Kerala presented a neat game with crisp passes and greater ball holding, however, Gurwinder Singh, who received a yellow and was the reason for giving away a crucial free kick, did learn nothing from his previous performance. Arnal was seen off side at numerous times. Orji, who usually displays a noteworthy game looked a little weak. Romey pulled Jofre's jersey to bring the captain down on the turf. He received a yellow for that. Baljit Sahni provided a lead to the home team with the help of a selfless pass by the captain. Amidst light drizzling Ian  Hume cancelled Sahni's goal to equalize the game. Referee's decisions of not giving Gurwinder a yellow was questionable. Mehtab was raging all through the first half and was calmed by fellow mates at times.

Coutesy:GoogleImages

Gurwinder continued with his illegitimate tackles in the second half of the game. Kolkata used all the three subs. Orji and Hume are two talented players. They are highly involved in all the chances that the team creates but none is consistent. They can be two dependable mates but have not reached there potential yet. After the head butting series between Fikru and Gregory, it was Mehtab whose face became target for Masih's and Jofre's elbow. James showed lack of instinct in the previous game but this time it was his flair that saved the team from another despair. 'Hero of the Match' award went to Kerala's Ian Hume.

Kerala currently sits on the second last position in the League and Kolkata has been leading since the beginning. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Kolkata has been vehement in facing its opponent but Kerala has looked firm too. It is rather perplexing to accept that a team like Kerala has not been able to establish itself in the League!

Coutesy:ISL

Our player of the Match is Kerala Blasters' Manager/ Marquee player/ Goalkeeper, David Benjamin James. The English goalie raised his game in this match and saved his team from a possible failure in the injury time. James truly proved to be a hero for the team.

Day 12, 13 and 14, Match 10, 11 and 12. Some Bans!

'Ye Diwali, Football wali'... It's the most beautiful time of the year but it surely kept us from posting regularly. We apologise for not updating you but hey, its festive season. Right! So, following is a brief summary of what happened during the three days.

FC Goa  (1) - Atletico de Kolkata (2)

When FC Goa met Atletico de Kolkata, everyone wanted to see if Goa can enter the race by finally winning a game or will Kolkata continue to annihilate its opponents. After a fabulous start, Goa became the latest victim of the City of Joy.

Courtesy:ISL

The game started on a rough note with Jofre challenging Pires, Fikru blowing Gregory's face and Borja challenging Santos. Fikru ended up with a rough chat with the ref and Borja received a yellow (received a red in a prior game). Borja is a great player but is way too rugged. Cavani is the Indian midfielder who impressed big time in the game. The Brazilian, Santos, gave the home team its lead. Pires tiring legs got noticed by the commentators. Fikru was booked a yellow card for fouling Gregory. It was a useless charge that ISL's top scorer made. His frustration was clearly visible. The series of head butting continued between No. 9 and No.15 till the defender's started oozing blood. In the second half, the game got even more dramatic. Gabriel received a yellow for over reacting when Jofre tried to calm him down by patting on his cheek. Miranda hurt his head really badly. Gabriel intentionally fell on the turf in search of a penalty but was denied (Guess, some people never learn). Cavani and Santos were booked for attack and counter attack. Martins received a warning for a pretend dive (inspired by Robben?). Finally, Cavani scored an equalizer through Fikru's assist and later the winning goal because of Borja's brilliance.

Courtesy:ISL

The game was more theatrical than skills. A rivalry seems to be rising. Gabriel, Fikru, Gregory and Borja did not live up to the expectations. Santos and Cavani played well. Cavani was 'Hero of the Match' but none of the players impressed us as none was consistent. It was a game that really spoilt the futball spirit!

Mumbai City FC (0) - North East United FC (2)

Mumbai invited North East United to the city of Dreams for the latter's first away game. North East United has produced some brilliant legs but has failed to show its full potential in the League. What remains to see is that will the team be able to live up to the expectations?

Courtesy:ISL

The home team looked strong during the entire first half, keeping the ball in the possession for most of the part. Chansa was substituted early in the game for Felipe because of an injury. Mumbaians had their money on Moritz who impressed with his game and his one-two play with Letzelter but couldn't find the net. Robin was successful in confusing Nadong. Do fetched the ball into the box various times but was unsuccessful in cashing on his long runs. The young Korean midfielder is either not understanding Herbert's style or is not fit for the 4-2-3-1 formation. The winger initially looks promising with the ball but always ends with a whimper. A goal was expected from Mumbai but the game ended with 'nil' on both the sides. The second half welcomed Ljungberg. Do wasted a great opportunity as he went to receive Koke's pass a bit early. Koke again made an effort and assisted Mtonga to give their team a lead. Ljungberg's injury left the home team, that has already lost the possession, in trouble as the team had no substitution left. Their adversity is furthered by Cmovs second yellow that reduced the team to nine pair of legs only! Do fails to utilize an empty left flank. Didika and Nadaya tried to equalize the game but failed. Koke's replacement, Keene, filled his shoes well and provided an amazing assist for Felipe to assure their teams victory.

Courtesy:ISL

Ranbir's team looked promising in the beginning but dwindled. 'Hero of the Match' was Mtonga. Both the teams put up a good play as compared to the previous match. Mumbai has a creative midfield and Do needs to brush up his skills!

Delhi Dynamos FC (4) - Chennaiyin FC (1)

This time the Italian friends, Del Piero and Marco Metarazzi stood on the opposite sides as the home team, Delhi, prepared for a kick off against Chennai. Chennai has won the previous two matches while Delhi settled for continuous draws. Both the teams are strong and this would be survival of the fittest.

Courtesy:ISL

A corner came for Delhi right in the first minute that Raymaekars converted into a goal within two minutes of the game. Delhi' s front three gave a tough time to the infamous Chennaiyin defenders. Elano and Balwant tried to build up a play for the visitors but the Brazilian failed to replicate his previous form. Mads Junker beautiful header brought him appreciation and comparison with the Dutch Skipper, Robin van Persie (he is our favourite #9 too!). Delhi's defence is not as creative as that of their opponents. Both the teams received yellow cards, van Hout for wasting time and Dhana for a rash tackle on Junker. Balwant Sing who has been an eminent part of the team was replaced in the starting of the second half. Valencia looked sharp enough to break Delhi's defence but Raymaekars kept the back line tight. Mulder built up an opportunity to add another star for the home side but failed. Mendy disappointed. Valencia broke Raymaekars line but Delhi was saved by van Hout. Elano finally scores to give visitors some hope for atleast a draw. Arias gave the home team a two goal lead once again. Mendy's angst made him push Dos Santos but the Frenchman was quick to accept his fault and readily apologised to the Brazilian. Dos Santos 90th min brilliant goal was cherry on the cake for the home team.

Courtesy:ISL

Van Veldhoven's team registered their first win by living up to their tag line 'Thok Denge'. Delhi proved to be a strong team by defeating a team like Chennai. The visitors looked sloppy and it was highly unexpected that they will let four goals pass their defence. 'Hero of The Match' was Wim Raymaekars. The Belgian really proved his worth!

** Habas, Fikru and Pires will miss 4, 2 and 2 matches respectively following ban!

Day 10, Match 9

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, offered a slippery ground for the Southern derby to kick off after a downpour the previous day. Chennaiyin FC started their campaign with a win against FC Goa while Kerala Blasters lost to North East United FC after giving them a run for their money. Chennai missed their practice due to the weather and but managed to defeat Kerala Blasters to stand next to Atletico de Kolkata on the scoreboard.

Chennaiyin FC (2)- Kerala Blasters (1)

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Chennai's forwards, Mendoza and Balwant Singh bring pace in the game. Their defender Mendy is a key player in the back line while Kerala's defender Gurwinder, who received a yellow card, needs to understand that the defender's position does not promise ultimate access to be brutal in tackling. Balwant Singh missed a header but is a promising young Indian forward. Elano took the penalty shot and gave Chennai its lead. Kerala had many shots but a few were on target. Like FC Goa, they lack final touch. There was a lot of action on the centre circle and both the wings looked empty. Left wing was utilized only after 25th minute. Pulga is a player that easily identifies gap and acts accordingly. Kerala's Hume missed countless opportunities. Every time the ball reaches penalty area, one sees legs kicking thin air blindly hinting at lack of strategy.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Hume finally scores an equaliser by converting Forcada's corner. Balwant is able to keep the standards going with perfect passes and deliveries. James, who plays many roles for Kerala, is a great player, indeed but Chennai's second goal hinted that he might be overburdened by the responsibilities. He let the ball pass him so easily that it looked that he has weak reflexes and instincts. He got back in the game shortly afterwards! By stopping the indirect free kick, Chennai proved that they are the defending champions in the League. Hume raised his game in the second half and Abhishek Das played well. Chennai's Bernard Mendy was Hero of the Match.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our player of the match is the Colombian forward, John Stiven Mendoza Valencia. The young forward played brilliantly as a forward and later in the first half played dual role of a forward and a winger, bringing action in the otherwise dead left wing.

Day 8, Match 7 and 8, 2 Draws!

Salt Lake Stadium, where it all started, and Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati, invited all the football fans for a double treat. Day 8 of ISL had two matches that well ended with teams picking one point each. Following are the reviews of both the plays-

Atletico de Kolkata vs Delhi Dynamos FC (1-1)

Courtesy:ISL

ISL leader, Kolkata, challenged Delhi on their home pitch. It was a chance for Delhi to register their first victory and Kolkata to stay unbeaten, however, the match ended in none's favour.

Garcia and Fikru's pairing was killing but Fikru needs to take care of off-side. Van Hout certainly uses his height well as at the 18th min, he denied Fikru by using his body to block him. Kolkata believed in long passes while Delhi's passes were small, chipped and better. Their ball holding was strong. Shobik's tackle for Pody's corner was commendable. Shylo shined. Both the teams were able to bring the ball close to goal line but lack of finishing touch hindered the score board to flip. At 33 minute the possession changed 5 times within 30 seconds. Jofre, took ISL's first penalty and turned it into a goal. Veldhoven replaced Raymaker, defender, for Junker, forward, in search of goals. Elias scored to cancel Jofre's goal and was 'Hero of the Match'. At 83 min there was a scuffle between the teams that lead to man-handling and Delhi's marquee and captain looked rather furious. It was interesting to see when all the players looked tired towards the ending, Del Piero raised his game. Masih was booked for a red card for attacking Piero with studs. Habas' reactions were a real delight.

North East Unite FC vs FC Goa (1-1)

Both the teams desperately needed 3 points to be in the race but fortune favoured none. Both the teams had to settle for a single point after a debatable penalty for North East.

Courtesy:ISL

Chansa needs to learn some sportsmen spirit. He received a yellow card for challenging Pires twice within the first half. The young Do needs to understand when to pass as his back pass for the goalie could have been changed the game. Gregory scored against the home team but it wasn't a very fantastic episode as a whole. Capdevila's game has not been appreciable so far in the league and he continued with this form while Bengelloun's game improved. Debabarata pushed Robin and North East was straight away awarded with a penalty that Koke took to equalise the score.  Capdevila and Do bettered there game in the second half. Gregory swiped away 'Hero of the Match'. North East United is the second highest rated team in the League. This is the region that has supplied some great players including Baichung Bhutia. However, the team has not made a great impression so far.

Though both the games ended in draw, it was the first game that was absorbing as efforts from both the sides were visible and at par. There was eagerness in Indian Brazilian fans to see Zico's team make a mark, that has not happened yet. 

Day 7, Match 6, First hat-trick!

Courtesy:ISL

ISL's first football derby as Mumbai City FC met FC Pune City at the D.Y.Patil Stadium. Mumbai fell flat against Kolkata in their opener and Pune barely managed to pick up one point after settling for a draw against Delhi. This was a chance for both the teams to prove their worth and the Men in Blue proved that they are the dream team of the dream city.

Mumbai City 5 and FC Pune City nil!

Courtesy:ISL

Peter Costa picked up a yellow card within two minutes rewarding Pune with a golden chance of taking a free kick from 18.30 ms which was wasted by Trezeguet as he fired way above the cross bar. Lenny stired a laughter in the crowd as he kicked thin air and the untouched ball invited mockery from the crowd. Andre Moritz quickly changed the game as he scored for Mumbai well within 12 minutes. He collected the ball just a little far from the half line and took it all the way across Pune's no.1. Terezeguet again made an effort but was contained by the cross bar. Andre Moritz doubled up the lead by converting Didika's corner kick into a goal. ISL had not seen successful corners till now. Subhash's goal furthered Mumbai's goal count and Pune's frustration. By the end of the first half, Pune looked scared!

Courtesy:ISL

It was requisite for Pune to score in the second half but it was Mumbai who added on to the agony of the guest team. Reid changed the tactics and the focus was more on defending and Colomba surely did promote his forwards but as a barter the defending went loose. Andre Moritz scored again at 71  and became ISL's first player to score a hat-trick. Didika committed the same mistake that Piero did as he chose to take a shot himself when other players were at better scoring positions. Letzelter's 85th min goal gave a final blow to Pune. Hero of the Match was Andre Moritz.

Courtesy:ISL

Our man of the match was the Brazilian midfielder, Andre Moritz. He gave ISL its first hat-trick and the owner, Ranbir Kapoor, a reason to cheer up. His performance was unparalleled and he changed every opportunity into a goal.

Day 5, Match 5, First RED!

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Round two began at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati, where winners of round one fought for another three points. This time the home team was North East United FC and the guests were Atletico de Kolkata. The young team of Ricki Herbert lost 0-2 to the experienced squad of Antonio Lopez Habas but collected sumptuous experience.

For the first half, Alex Tzorvas successfully recreated his Greek wall but continuous attacks from Garcia wounded it. Garcia made a big mistake by taking a straight shot within the penalty box that placed the ball directly into Alex's hands. That could have been a crucial point in the starting minutes had he taken a right or a left shot. Garcia was a visionary in assisting Fikru's second ISL goal (15th min) that he hammered using his height and later broke into acrobatics. Kolkata paraded a built-up play using triangle and diamond formations.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Herbert used a 4-4-2 formation, man-marking Garcia against Habas' 4-2-3-1. The biggest fault in former's technique was that he forgot to mark Fikru. Chansa's tackle of Garcia was a desperate attempt and showed Herbert's fear of the Spaniard. Keene failed to repeat the form that he had against Kerala Blasters.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

After the break, Fernandez quickly picked up a yellow card. Kolkata's right flank looked active. Pody substituted Jofre and Garcia made way for Arnal, giving Captain's armband to fellow Spaniard, Fernandez. After Koke's offside attempt, Herbert quickly switched Chansa for Josl and Koke for Do. After a failed corner kick, Keene was also replaced by Bertos. A delayed decision but referee gave Fernandez ISL's first red card, reducing the team to 10. North East United's owner John Abraham looked rather pleased with the decision. Soon Sahni was also swapped for Pradhan. Podany once again proved to be a super sub with his 90th minute goal ensuring their victory.

This was a dramatic game with a lot of puling and pushing. There was Franco vs Josl and Garcia vs North East United. Many players played in different positions. Goenka was used as a right back and Mondal played Centre Back. Absence of Miguel because of an injury proved to be a disadvantage for NEUFC. The physicality standards are rising with every game played One thing that occurred repeatedly was delayed decisions by the referees.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our player of the match is Sergio Contreras Pardo, aka Koke. The Spanish forward played as an attacking midfielder managing the entire team. He proved to be a playmaker. He was the link in Herbert's formation. He displayed great ball control and attacking abilities.

World is our Family

               "One love, one heart... Let's get together and feel Alright"
                                                                                 -Bob Marley 

Ever imagined a world without boundaries. Where everyone lives in peace, away from the fears of war and destruction. No loss. No damage. Tranquillity and love in every corner, in every heart. Wouldn't this place look like heaven?

Courtesy:GoogleImages

But alas! this imagination is hundred-to-one as for this people will have to keep aside their ego and prejudices which is impossible. Very few are there who will go beyond their pride to retain the feeling of love and being loved in the world. But hey! what's the harm in trying? After all a united family or a united world will be beneficial for all of us and everyone seeks for benefits these days.

We are all creation of one God and you can give Him any name. He made us and never differentiated, then, who are we to divide the world on the basis of caste, religion, race and sexual orientation. There is a thing, beyond all these differences, Humanity and to achieve this should be our basic goal.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Is it so tough to be kind? We aren't Beasts. What differentiates us from them are the feelings, feelings of empathy and sympathy. Then why can't we feel each others' pain and sufferings? How do we allow ourselves to oppress other beings? Has God's creation which is envied even by the angels fallen so low. Yes!

The fault is not entirely ours. Since childhood we are taught to differentiate people on various basis and this has become a continuing legacy. These legacies in turn produce taboos that creates a barrier between people and restricts us to unify with each other.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

It's never too late. We should accept world as a big family that longs for unity. We should celebrate it's uniqueness and feed it with togetherness.

   "WE are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided"
                                                                                      - J.K. Rowling

Day 4, Match 4, Round one done!

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Goa invited Chennai as they hosted the last match of the first round at the Jawaharlal Stadium (Fatorda). This last match saw first goal by an Indian forward and a marquee player along with first away win. This time the clash was between aggressive Kohli's team and composed Dhoni's team. It was a full house in Goa where the home team won the toss only.

 Chennaiyin FC defeated FC Goa by 2-1.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

The match kicked off with a  good start by Goa and with Bernard Mendy receiving his first warning within 5 minutes. It was a quality game as both the teams were able to create ample opportunities. Zico's team, however, gave into the Chennaiyin temptation as the Arsenal favourite, Piers, got attracted by the space provided to him and fired above the goal instead of  passing the ball. He soon realized his mistake and apologised to his team-mates. With Chennai, India witnessed the first goal of ISL by an Indian player (Balwant Singh) and by a Marquee player (Elano Blumer). Pires was challenged several times by Chennai that later raised his temper.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

FC Goa started the second half with recharged spirits. There was a counter attack for Chennai that gave the game a brutal look. Edgar Marcelino orchestrated opportunities for the team but was substituted at 58 min for Bruno Pinheiro. After a long struggle, Gregory's final touch to the ball gave Goa its first goal at the 65th min. Miranda's free kick because of Das' challenge only lead to a bleeding team mate as Bengelloun's head banged straight into the Keeper's mouth in search of a goal. Goa was awarded many free kicks and failed on a possible penalty (Martin was brought down), thus, failed to equalize the game.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our player of the game is same as 'Hero of the match', Balwant Singh. The Churchill Brothers' star player became first Indian player to score in ISL. He looked strong throughout the game.

Day 3, Match 3, Draw 1

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The third ISL match saw many interesting moments and instigated a fact that if the attacking stats of the opposite team are way higher than yours, you still stand a chance to make it at least a Draw!

The match between Delhi Dynamos FC and FC Pune City ended in a no goal match. 0-0.

It is usually observed that a goalless match is a tedious one, but not this one. It was a curious match in which the home team, Delhi, was way stronger than the guest team, Pune and still could not manage to score a single goal.

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The match started with Delhi's marquee player, Alessandro del Piero on bench. The Danish player, Mads Junker, created many chances for the home team and within 15 minutes the attack index was in favour of Delhi. It soon changed to 70-30 (Delhi-Pune), yet there was no goal. Skoubo's injury forced van Veldhoven to send Piero on field but it was interesting to see how Pune kept the pace of the game, preventing Piero to enter. Delhi played with 10 players for almost 2 minutes. Fernandez failed miserably. The main reason for the attack graph favouring Delhi was Pune's disorganized midfield. There was a lot of visible space that Delhi acknowledged and turned in its favour. It was the South Korean player,Park, who impressed us and played a major role in Pune's defence.

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In the second half, del Piero used his experience to acquire a free kick that could not meet the net. Till the 66th minute, Delhi's attack graph kept on increasing with 11 attempts and 5 on-target shots as opposed to Pune's 6 attempts with only 2 on-target shots. Park's injury led to a forced substitution for Pune, adding to Franco Colomba's worries. Almost absent midfield of Pune helped Delhi to choreograph formations and passes. For 15 minutes Pune looked strong in the front but could not arrange a goal. Junker was substituted for the Brazilian, Santos, during the last leg of the match but score line didn't budge. Del Piero was awarded Hero of the match.

It was fascinating to see how a team like Pune was able to contain a team like Delhi Dynamos at several times. Delhi had all the advantage, a 6'10'' tall goal keeper, Italian star Piero, pace , technique and strength, yet, they failed to score any goal because of Pune's unbreakable spirit to play till the end. Both the teams had to settle for 1 point each.

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Our player of the match is Danish player, Mads Junker. The 33 year old forward kept on creating opportunities for Delhi. His game was well organized and his passes were accurate. He appeared stronger than del Piero.