ISL: Goa, Delhi look to get their campaigns back on track

FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos will take on each other at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, and both the teams will be looking for a win to stay in hunt for the top-4 spots.

Delhi Dynamos FC players during warm-up.

FC Goa chief coach Zico has set a target of 20 points for his team which he believes should be good enough to qualify for the semifinals of the Hero Indian Super League.

FC Goa has just four points from its first six matches but the Brazilian coach is sure that the campaign can be back on track if it can manage a win against Delhi Dynamos at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Goa, on Sunday.

“I think with 20 points we can be in the top four. May be, even with less points we can be in the semifinals with the results that are happening at the moment,” Zico said at the pre-match media briefing.

FC Goa lost both its matches at home so far. A last-minute winner helped FC Pune City walk away with full points from Goa and in the last game, Kerala Blasters fought its way back for a victory after being a goal down at the break. Despite the setbacks, Zico is confident that his team has the ability to spark a turnaround.

“I think not just this game against Delhi Dynamos but all matches are crucial. Judging from the situation we are now, it’s much more important to win now. We have the ability to win this game, finish the first leg with seven points and in the second phase, which is like a new tournament, get our campaign back on track,” said Zico.

For Delhi Dynamos, this is also a must-win match after Gianluca Zambrotta’s side remained without a win for the last five matches. Delhi Dynamos started the ISL with a flourish as it dethroned Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in Chennai but since defeating the defending champions, it has only managed four points from its last five matches.

“I am not frustrated with our situation. It’s important for us to maintain a good attitude and remain positive. If we continue in the same manner, we will have good results,” said Zambrotta.

The Italian coach understands the battle he has on his hand, especially against FC Goa who are equally determined to have another victory under their belt.

“We know that Goa wants to win this game which will help them stay in contention. It will be an interesting match,” said Zambrotta.

A win for Delhi Dynamos will take them to the top four with 10 points and ensure they are within close distance of the first three teams. A win for FC Goa, on the other hand, will just help them above FC Pune City in seventh place but Zico knows the win can be a catalyst when the second phase kicks off.