PANAJI
It was supposed to be a friendly but when there are sides preparing to play to win the title and that too, in the leagues that have divided India over the status of being the top-flight club competition, the clash between Indian Super League outfit and hosts FC Goa and I-League giants East Bengal, turned out to be the most intense practice match in Goan football history.
This FC Goa bunch may not have a legend in their coaching department or a world cup-winner on the pitch, but Sergio Lobera seems to have assembled an exciting team, who have talented and committed young and experienced Indians and
foreigners.
The result, 1-2 in favour of EB, is not important but the technical brilliance of Spanish attacker Manuel Lanzarote was the standout factor. Portuguese midfielder Bruno Pinheiro and Moroccan defender Ahmed Jahouh - both are versatile players - form a solid combination to shield the Goan citadel whenever the team needs Bruno to fall back and help the defenders.
Local boy Brandon Fernandes, who spent his formative years in a Cape Town academy, looks in great touch. The team as a unit is playing with the concept of offensive football with balance in attack and defence, professed by ex-Barcelona assistant coach Lobera. Young striker Manvir Singh scored for the Gaurs off a cross by Brandon.
With a couple of more home friendlies to come, more of FC Goa foreign players like Ferran Corominas, Edu Bedia and co, will be in full view. More experimentation on the attacking philosophy will then give tactician Lobera a clear idea of his best eleven to complete the preparedness for the fourth season
of the ISL.
