PANAJI
Vasco advanced to the final of the Fifth Pogo Boys 50+ Veterans Cup in a rather bizarre manner after the opposing team Verna Veterans threatened to walk out of the field contesting a decision from the referee at the Merces Church Ground, on Monday.
Tied 1-1 and heading towards the final whistle, the officiating referee blew for a goal after a direct throw-in from Nelson Landez hit the framework and Andrew Theodosio, who was lurking around, nodded in to give Vasco the lead.
Verna Veterans protested the contentious goal on the grounds that Vasco had benefitted from the goalpost. But the referee consulted his assistant and reverted his decision, and that led to Vasco Veterans remonstrating.
After a delay of more than 30 minutes, better sense prevailed and the two teams agreed to play for another 15 minutes with Vasco Veterans leading 2-1.
Verna Veterans then pressed for an equaliser, and Carvalho was given a golden opportunity, only to miss with just John at his mercy on the Vasco goal. Till that late incident, the match had been fast-paced with rivetting action between the two ends.
Verna Veterans were the first to take the lead when the stylish Marcus Carvalho headed in past John Fernandes in the Vasco goal. Vasco Veterans regrouped well and got the equaliser when Ramesh Palkar scored his third of the competition when he darted into the area and placed past the Verna goalkeeper.
The final between hosts SAI Veterans and Vasco Veterans will be played on the feast day of Merces Church, on August 24.
