The Goan Network
Panaji
Vasco Veterans stormed into the finals of Brian Mendes Memorial championship overcoming a stiff challenge posed by Bardez Veterans, 6-5 via the tie-breaker, at Dr Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim on Friday.
The match ended with both teams failing to break the 1-1 deadlocked and the penalty shoot-out saw Vasco knock out Bardez Veterans, despite their goalkeeper Xavier Fernandes retiring injured mid-way of the penalty shoot-out.
The match which rose to dizzy heights capturing the hearts of the spectators which saw a stiff battle between Bardez and Vasco who went all out for the kill.
It was Vasco who made their intentions clear, striking in the very second minute taking everybody by surprise as fans were just settling down in their seats.
Being awarded a free-kick on the right flank, Santan Furtado’s shot struck Bardez defender Misquin and unfortunately deflected into his own nets catching goalkeeper Jude off guard.
Encouraged and riding on a goal in the very early stages of the game, Vasco kept the attack mode on, but Bardez led by Goa’s football household name and Arjuna Awardee and India’s international Bruno Coutinho were a force along with National players like Jude and Fausto in their ranks and matched Vasco in every department.
The match swung to and fro, but the target evaded both the teams.
Bardez found the equalizer a few minutes before the breather, when Lino passed the ball to an unmarked Bruno who did the damage, shooting into the far corner of the net.
At half time the teams trooped off for the lemon-break. On returning, Vasco pushed hard for the break and dominated the proceedings. They played as a cohesive unit and it was their fitness and ball possession that dominated the second half. Bardez appeared to have run out of steam.
Vasco could have easily carried the day, without the match going into the tie-breaker, but a clear handball inside the Bardez penalty box, was denied by referee Phillip, which erupted into a major protest by the Vasco players. The match continued after good sense prevailed and tempers cooled off.
In the tie-breaker, Bardez took the first strike as Fausto found the net while Vishant Pednekar equalised for Vasco. It was Bardez’s Lino next to score but Vasco’s keeper Xavier injured himself in his effort to punch the ball out of danger. Vasco’s Naizi scored with the tie-breaker at 2-2. National player Remy than replaced Xavier and Bardez's Gadd scored. Remy took the next shot and equlaised with the score being 3-3.
Bardez’s Alwyn strike was saved by Remy and Vasco’s Nelson scored to earn the lead at 3-4.
Lawrence for Bardez and Xavier Colaco for Vasco found the nets in the last strike to send Vasco into the finals.
National player Vishant Pednekar who played a stellar role for Vasco, was deservedly adjudged Man-of-the-match and the chief guest Manik Fernandes, proprietor of Panjim Veterans, awarded the prize.
Today's Action
Brian Mendes Memorial soccer (semis): Chinchinim Veterans v Siolim Veterans, Dr Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim, 4.45 pm.
