PANAJI
FC Goa have come out with flying colours from the final leg of preparations that included three practice matches at home.
Regardless of the results, what head coach Sergio Lobera would be happy about is the combination of different players he tried out in the home conditions. In the process, we have seen that the Gaurs are indeed capable of running the show, to thrill the galleries while keeping their shape in defence and sharpness in attack.
Goans will be delighted that all four goals in the final practice game on Sunday, came from the local boys Mandar Rao Desai, who scored a brace, Brandon Fernandes and Liston Colaco. This is one of the most important aspect with regards to development of Indian football. For our nation to progress, we are in need of goal-scorers for our country.
If our local boys get a regular chance in top-flight leagues, usually dominated by foreign strikers, the home-grown forwards or attackers will surely grow in confidence. Goan fans will be hoping that Mandar, Brandon, Liston & Co score in the ISL4 and earn their places in the Indian National Football
team.
Except for striker Adrian Colunga, all foreign players have been impressive including Manuel Arana, who featured against Chennai City FC in two different roles. The 32-year-old played as a winger from start. He was withdrawn at half time and then sent on again in a central attacking position, as Lobera worked out his calculations with precision of a Math teacher.
Colunga, who is still nursing a niggling injury, now will have to hit the ground running as the Gaurs open ISL campaign at Chennaiyin FC on Sunday in the
away match.
While practice matches allows one to experiment, the real scenario of ISL will be a high-voltage affair in a cauldron of an atmosphere. Players need to keep their calm without getting too bothered with refereeing decisions.
There were a few moments during the friendlies where FC Goa's foreign players in particular, looked to get aggressive, questioning the referee or squaring off with opponents' players. Former Barcelona assistant-coach, Lobera will have to advice them of the virtue of being composed.
