Day 21 and 22, Match 18 and 19

Delhi Dynamos FC has been undefeated so far whereas FC Goa is still looking for an opener. It has been a really tough fight for both the teams so far but Zico's men finally had a breath of respite when they defeated the Capital's team and marked their first home victory.

Kerala Blasters FC finally en route to success after picking up their first three points against FC Pune City whereas Mumbai City FC landed on the bottom of the standings after two consecutive defeats. Both the teams desperately needed these three points to leap forward in the table. David James missed the game because of an injury.In the end it was the home team (Mumbai) which tasted success after a single goal by Anelka.
Following are the reviews for both the Matches.

FC Goa (2) - Delhi Dynamos FC (1)

Courtesy:ISL

The game started with Delhi's much loved Italian Marquee player on bench. We surmise that Piero is having a tough time with the Dutch manger. After Andre Santos' attempt for an opener, it was the away team that opened the game. A ball that came from Mulder and touched Arias went into the net by Junker's foot. Junker's 7' goal led to dead silence amongst the audience. Romeo took charge but his ball was deviated by the defence while fellow team mate Gregory was shown a yellow card. Romeo lost a great opportunity as he blasted above the goal. Houben received a yellow for his foul on Santos. Pinheiro's beautiful pass was wasted by Slepicka as he shoot off the left pole. Santos was again again denied by the keeper and the Brazilian soon left for Amiri. Romeo's Jewel's and Mandar's team play almost found an equalizer but alas, the half time ended in Delhi's favour. In the first half, after Junker's goal, Delhi played a defencive game and was weak in the front while the home team created many chances. We were hopefull that Goa will definitely score in the second part of the game and they stood up to our expectations.

Courtesy:ISL

With the half time whistle, Veldhoven called Skoubo to put in Dinis. Mandar, Amiri and Romeo created many opportunities but no goal came. Ozbey substituted Gregory and Del Piero stepped in for Junker. Debarata got booked for bringing Piero down. Again it was the team efforts of Mandar, Jewel and Romeo that cancelled Junker's goal. Mandar put in an aerial, Romeo headed it to Jewel who headed the ball straight into the net. Romeo's and Mulder's head collided and the game was halted as the players were attended by doctors. Dos Santos and Clifford came for injured Mulder and Mandar respectively. After Slepicka's try, Ozbey changed the fate of his team and FC Goa finally won a game in the League. 3 points for Kohli's team.

Mumbai City FC (1) - Kerala Blasters (0)

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It was the home team that started well but soon Kerala took over. A small passing mistake by Cmovs could have hurt the home team a great deal had it not been the sharp senses of Paul. Gusmao came in with a great run but the shot went above the crossbar. Moritz twice got the ball inside the box but lack of coordination among the players couldn't take advantage of the situation. Orji and Pearson also created a chance for Kerala but Cmovs deflected the ball who later wrecked Gusmao's run as well. Hengbart's otherwise good corner was saved by the keeper. Anelka missed a great opportunity again as  Stohanzl's pass was beautiful but the Frenchman couldn't convert it into his first ISL goal. Ahmed committed a foul on Stohanzl and the home team was given a free kick. Anelka used his experience to take the free kick just outside the box and gave his team a lead before the half time.

Courtesy:ISL

As the second half began, Mumbai attacked Kerala's defence with full force. Barisic came in place of Orji and Nadong came in for Didika. Anelka was a delight to watch put at times misjudged the goal. Milagres and Sushanth substituted Gusmao and Ahmed respectively. Apart from a free kick to Mumbai and a few bookings, nothing really happened in the game. Yes, Kerala looked terrified of Mumbai and the home team showed some skills but the second half remained a goalless affair. 

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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!