Basil Sylvester Pinto
PANAJI
FC Goa, one of the more successful teams in the nascent history of the Indian Super League, has had a very indifferent start to this season. Starting with three successive defeats, their fans would have heaved a sigh of relief when the Gaurs in their fourth game managed to eke a point in a high-octane away clash against Atletico de Kolkata last Sunday.
After the important draw, with a return of their key players and confidence gradually seeping through the ranks, it would not be too much to expect them to be back in the thick of things to go up the standings here on.
The past record speaks volumes of the Gaurs' tenacity to claw their way into contention as they made it to the play-offs in the inaugural season after being in a similar situation at the start with their backs to the wall. The case with the historical slow starters who had just five points to show in the first half of the league last year, they appear to tread a similar path this season as well.
With hashtag statements made on social media circles like #BackTheGaurs and #BelieveInTheGaurs, hope still stays afloat with the fans that the Gaurs are not wallowing in the waters but the herd is together in their spirit and determination to stomp their way into competition.
The Goan Everyday asked a few fans on their thoughts on whether the Gaurs are back in the fray ahead of their fifth round engagement against the second-placed Mumbai City FC away from home on Friday. And this is what they have to say:
Every FC Goa fan wants the Gaurs to come back, but looking at the present situation it looks very difficult. I think they just need one win (in the coming two matches) to boost the morale of the team and get back to winning ways. We have seen that in the past as well, where (Tolgay) Özbey scored a winner against Delhi Dynamos FC at Fatorda (2014) at the very last minute and after that we did not look back (except for the semi-finals). At this stage, the tournament is very open and looking at the points table, 2-3 wins can take us to the top half of the table. So, we are hopefully just a win away from what we could say is a great comeback from FC Goa.
Rahul Dessai, Belagavi-based MCA Student
Earning a point after a tie with ATK ignites a hope in the eyes of the fans. And with strong determination and hard work, the Gaurs will definitely be in the play-offs.
Bernice Rodrigues, Final year B. Pharm student, Margao
Perhaps! Criticism has been pouring in for the recurring faults in the FC Goa team this year. It is too early in the league to give a fair assessment of the team. I suppose we must trust Zico, who keeps tinkering with the team, which is evidently learning the nuances of every new formation on the job. The away match against Atletico de Kolkata was tough. That second half play, where we saw a wave of attacks by the Gaurs, and the super saves from goalkeeper Roy has shown us their potential. In sport, you win or you lose. So let us push on till the end of this leg of the ISL, as FC Goa are showing they are ready for a fight. Forca Goa!
Savika Gomes, Professional, Cansaulim
Not really. I cannot see the same spirit which was there last season. This year the new owners have signed new players who were already on the injured list and this is why Zico cannot put a powerful first XI to play against the other teams. They have to focus more on finishing the game with goals. Last year, Leo Moura did a fantastic job but this season who do we have? I am a die-hard fan of FC Goa, I still believe in my team. Only dedicated fans stick around through thick and thin... so Zico and the team better pull up their socks and unleash the power of the Gaur.
Sarah Menezes e Colaco, Pharmacist, Fatorda
The Gaurs might have lost their first few matches very easily. It looked like they had no chance. But the performance they showed against the mighty ATK was great. They performed well together as a team. If they continue performing like this, there is no looking back for them.
Kai Da Costa, TY Computer Engineering student, Margao
The Football Dug Out (TFDO) is screening the Mumbai City FC v FC Goa game at Acacia Palms, Colva. Entry is free.
