MARGAO
Goan football administrators and ex-coaches condoled the demises of former India goalkeeper Arvinder Singh and Eugenio Cardozo on Wednesday.
Vasco Sports Club won a number of tournaments in the good old years largely due to superb goalkeeping by Arvinder. Safe hands that were exceptionally good at dealing with crosses made this strongly built the goalkeeper to become an even better keeper. He was also an intimidating prospect for any striker. He covered the angles well and was very safe against corner kicks. He played for Vasco Club from 1968 to 1972. He also made a fine showing for Goa in the Nationals at Cuttack (1968) Nowgong (1969) Madras (1970).
Such was his contribution under the bar that after he hung up his gloves, the club were hard-pressed to find a worthy successor to Eugenio Cardozo despite trying out a succession of replacements. His reflexes and his ability to deal with crosses and high balls made him a goalkeeper of a high order. Cardozo was part of the 1979 and 1980 Rovers Cup winning squads and in fact helped Dempo to annex the latter title in Bombay without conceding a goal. When in form, Cardozo was unbeatable: for example, Dempo won the 1976 Bandodkar Gold Trophy and the 1979 Stafford Challenge Cup in Bangalore by keeping a clean slate; in the 1980 Senior Division League winning campaign, Cardozo was beaten just three times. To add to his reputation, the sturdy goalkeeper from Candolim once saved four out of the five penalties in the tiebreaker against arch rivals Salgaocar in the 1980 Taca Goa semi-final to earn Dempo a memorable win.
"Shocked and saddened by the death of two of the finest goalkeepers who have donned the Goa State Football team colors with distinction: Arvinder Singh and Eugenio Cardozo. May their souls rest in peace," said Alberto Colaco former General secretary of All India Football Federation and GFA.
"Very sad to hear the news. A gentleman who had a great sense of humour. When I was a kid saw him keep the goal for Vasco SC and the elders spoke highly about his Goal keeping skill," he added.
"Sad news to hear about Eugenio as Goan football lost another legend who was a pillar of strength in the Dempo goal. May his soul rest in peace," Derrick Pereira technical director of FC Goa development side and former India defender condoled.
"Goan football fraternity is shocked to lose two former goalkeepers who did the state proud in their respective eras. Arvinder Singh’s performance under the bar was heard of by us as he excelled during the time when there was no TV coverage and radio commentators would raise their voice pitch anticipating an imminent goal but for Arvinder’s brilliance saved Goans from some anxious moments. A regular spectator at Tilak Maidan, I would often interact with him and feel privileged to be shaking hands with a larger than life personality of those times, he explained"
"Eugenio worked with me in SAG and was talented in even administrative matters . He groomed his daughter Steffi to shine as an athlete par excellence . May their souls rest in peace," said former GFA president Elvis Gomes.
GFA Senior vice president Anthony Pango said, "Everyone among the Goan football fraternity is extremely saddened on hearing about the passing away of Avinder Singh and Eugenio Cardozo. My condolences to their family. May his soul rest in peace."
"Two superb goalkeepers, Arvinder and Eugenio, both served Vasco SC and Dempo SC respectively with distinction and represented the State of Goa with passion and dedication. May their souls rest in peace. Undoubtedly, it's a big loss to Goan football and their contribution and fond memories will linger on," said former India midfielder Lector Mascarenhas.
