BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
FATORDA
Over the last two seasons, since their initiation into the ISL fold, Bengaluru FC has emerged as the team to beat. So much so, the FC Goa boss, Sergio Lobera has oft and again maintained that the defending champions is possibly the best team in the competition.
Meanwhile, FC Goa continues to be a formidable team under the helm of their Spanish gaffer with a settled outlook. The home team’s Indian players rose to the occasion with the absence of their key foreign retentions in their opener against Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday in Fatorda and commanded a 3-0 facile win.
On the other hand, also kick-starting their season at home, Bengaluru FC though dominating their game against NorthEast United FC, could only split points with a goalless draw.
While the biggest match up in the league may have come early in the season, one would not dispute the fact that while the two teams walk through the tunnel on to the turf of the Fatorda Fortress on Monday, the battle between the teams will be as well-poised between the rival fan clubs in the stands.
Speaking to the passionate West Block Blues, the official fan club of BFC ahead of the important fixture, cognizance is paramount that the wherewithal between the two teams on the night promises 90 minutes of a keen tussle.
Renewed rivalry with FC Goa
On Monday, the gaurs would look to avenge their agonizing defeat in the ISL final last season against Bengaluru FC. On that night, deep into extra time defender Rahul Bheke sunk in a header to register the winner to break the hearts of thousands of FC Goa fans at the Mumbai Arena.
While the overall head-to-head record has the visitors gung-ho with four wins from five games, their respective starts to their campaign evens the contest before the ball starts rolling at the Fatorda Fortress.
“The games against FC Goa are always intense. From the 4-3 loss in 2017 to the ISL final last season, there have been some really memorable matches played between the two teams,” reveals West Block Blues’ Nitin Fernandes.” He further pointed out to state, “It’s fair to say that Bengaluru and Goa have played the best football in the league over the last two years, that’s why these ties are always exciting for both sets of fans and we can’t wait for it to start this season.”
Settling in with new recruits
Previously, the towering presence of Miku upfront with his sublime skills and physicality made a major impact to Bengaluru. In his absence from the team, the onus is on the new foreign striker to live up to expectations. “Miku is a big loss. It’s not easy to replace a player like him. While the opener (against NorthEast United FC) was (Manuel) Onwu’s first game, I’m sure with more games under his belt he’ll come good,” admitted Anoop Sequeira.
Sequeira also pointed out that with Brazilian creative medio, Raphael Augusto joining their side from Chennaiyin FC, their midfield is strengthened. “Our strength is also in the mid and adding Augusto will be a key. He’s a player who can create and score,” he felt.
While lauding Goa’s enterprising brand of the beautiful game, he mentioned that their well-knit defense has been able to negate the otherwise goal-poaching impact of FC Goa’s Spanish striker, Ferran Corominas.
“Goa is a strong team. Lobera is fearless and likes his team to play attacking football. While Coro being one of their best hasn’t had much success finding the net against Juanan’s BFC,” Sequeira assessed.
On their opposition rising t
o the challenge with the chips down
FC Goa notched a satisfying 3-0 win to kick start their campaign against twice ISL winners, Chennaiyin FC at Fatorda on Wednesday, playing with eight Indian players through the game in the absence of key overseas personnel. With a full squad reportedly available to choose from on Monday, the gaurs are expected to be in full force to take on the might of Bengaluru FC.
Undaunted by the scenario, Sudeep Shenoy says his team is here with a positive mindset to leave from Goa with three points. “It does not matter to us, as we have full faith in our coach (Carles Cuadrat) and his tactics. Coro hasn’t been able to score against us in the past few matches. Jahouh picked up a card last time and wasn’t too great,” he reasoned.
Chants and Charisma
As with a fan club of any team in the ISL, BFC’s West Block Blues have left an indelible impression too. Over the years, they have had modified songs ingrained to a regional flavor and the universal tongue too. “Santoshakke (happiness) is from a Kannada movie that we have been singing a while now and is a go-to when our team scores a goal,” disclosed Vinay Shankar. “While we have a few songs in the building stages, in Goa we are introducing new chants, Wonder Wall and Bella Ciao, a Spanish tune sung with a Kannada and English twist,” Shankar added.
On the West Block Blues culture
The fan club came to the fore with the formation of Bengaluru FC in 2013 and their verve and spirit has been steadfast since.
“We started out small, but only in number. But, we are always soaring high in spirit. West Block A is not just how a stand is named at Bengaluru’s fortress and West Block Blues isn’t just a name given to the ever so loyal fans of Bengaluru FC. West Block Blues are a collective feeling. They are fans that will give anything for the club; that will fight, rejoice, defend and honour the club and all its members (on and off the pitch) for several years to come,” declared Anthony Nithen Paul.
