Dynamos vs. FC Goa semis – how the teams measure up

The first semi-final between Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa will be a repeat of the last game of the group stage of the Indian Super League, at the same venue.

Shylo Malsawmtluanga of Delhi Dynamos FC (left) and Lucimar Da Silva Ferreira of FC Goa fight for possession at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa, on October 4. Goa won the game 2-0. The teams met again in New Delhi and Zico's men emerged winners with a 3-2 verdict.

The first semi-final between Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa will be a repeat of the last game of the group stage of the Indian Super League, at the same venue.

Delhi Dynamos will be looking for revenge of sorts as the Goan outfit performed a double against them – beating Dynamos 2-0 at Fatodra in what was both team’s first league game in October, and then vanquishing them 3-2 in the national capital.

Following the result, Goa cemented the top spot in the league, leapfrogging Atletico de Kolkata, who faltered 3-2 against Mumbai City FC in their last home game.

Master versus apprentice

Carlos, Dynamos’ marquee player-cum-manager, is the only rookie coach to make it to the semi-finals. With 18 goals, the Delhi outfit, placed fourth in the league, are the lowest scoring team. And having conceded 20 goals, they are the only team in the top-four to have a negative goal difference.

Dynamos’ biggest win this year was their 3-1 defeat of FC Pune City, which indicated that Carlos’ approach to building a team was based on defensive solidarity.

Zico, a midfield maestro during his days, helms a team who are the highest scorers in the league. FC Goa have scored 29 goals and conceded the same number as Delhi.

FC Goa have registered some big wins this season, notable among them being the 7-0 thrashing of Mumbai City FC and the 5-1 rout of Kerala Blasters. Interestingly, both these victories were achieved away from home, suggesting Zico’s men are confident travellers. This will definitely give Carlos something to think about. However, Goa’s biggest defeat, a 4-0 rout at the hands of ATK, was also away from home.

Interesting historical fact: Like Dynamos, Kerala Blasters last year were the only team with a negative goal difference (-2). In the semi-finals, however, they beat the highest scoring team, Chennaiyin FC, en route to the final.

VITAL STATISTICS

Delhi Dynamos

Goals scored: 18

Goals conceded: 20

Shots on target: 107

Shots off target: 95

Ball possession: 52.79%

Biggest win: 3-1 versus FC Pune City

Biggest defeat: 4-0 versus Chennaiyin FC

Top scorer: Richard Gadze – 4

FC Goa

Goals scored: 29

Goals conceded: 20

Shots on target: 105

Shots off target: 61

Ball possession: 48.64%

Biggest win: 7-0 versus Mumbai City FC

Biggest defeat: 4-0 versus ATK

Top scorer: Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira - 7