MARGAO
Goa watched by All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey came up with clinical finishes to notch a resounding 12-3 win over Odisha in their opening match of the National Games Beach Soccer championship on Colva beach sands.
If most of the Goan players, who did duty for the state team grew up playing up in the sand and having a dip in the sea and know a thing or two about the sea and sand. On Saturday they showed finesse of they been the master of the game called soccer or football.
They struck as early in the second minute and then stuck regularly in the first quarter to go into the first break with a comfortable 6-0 lead. At the end of the second period the score read 11-2 and in the last perios Goa scored one goal and conceded one to finish with 12-3 score
They did spread the game wide and then made inroads slice through the defense and on occasions also took long shots when they had the liberty of space and a clear view of the goal.
Odisha, who had come well prepared with an intensive coaching camp training on their beaches, had no clue what struck them.
But they salvaged some pride pulling three goals back with Subash Pujari registering a brace and Babul Singh accounting for one goal.
Goa’s goals came from Kashinath Subhash Rathod and Pedro Antonio Gonsalves, both scoring four goals each, Satish Naik, Richard Cardoz, Nehal Parab, and Carl Joshua Dsouza scored one goal apiece.
Goa coach former International Bruno Coutinho was happy with the performance of the boys.
“Fitness is the key in Beach Soccer,” he said.
“My support staff and I have worked hard on their fitness and I have told the boys the effort of the fitness routine given to them will not be felt immediately but after ten days,” said the Arjuna awardee.
Besides Bruno, former Sesa Goa keeper Mario Aguiar and Fausto Lobo are part of the coaching team while the support are working overtime to keep the team fit for the demanding game of beach soccer.
With All team playing one match each day over the next three days Bruno is aware of the recovery part and keeping his players fit for the upcoming challenges.
“We gave all the players a chance to have a feel of the situation and soak themselves in the match situation, We need them for all the matches.”
Goa’s next match is on Sunday at 10 am against Punjab, who defeated Uttarakand 12-7 to begin their winning note too.
“Let’s see what happens tomorrow, we will give our best, the boys are ready,’ added the former Salgaocar SC striker.
Bruno was happy with the large turnout for Goa match and thanked the fans for their support.
“Happy to see so many football fans turning up for beach soccer, it is a good sign and hopefully the beach soccer movement will grow not only in Goa and India,” he added.
“Chaubey is my friend and I am hopeful that he will take football to another level and the Indian team will play is more international tournaments.”
In the other group matches, Kerala trounced Jharkhand 15-1 while Lakshadweep beat Delhi 9-3.
