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.

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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.