Emiliano Alfaro felt team spirit was the priority and it reflected in FC Pune City's success after he had almost single-handedly lifted the home team to a rousing 2-1 win over Mumbai City FC. The Uruguayan striker, signed from NorthEast United FC by former coach Antonio Habas, is repaying the team management with his presence, assists and goals.
Two goals from the tricky forward earned FC Pune City a valuable win at a packed Balewadi Stadium in front of joyous fans. Alfaro, playing his first season in Pune, is the sensation of ISL season IV. He scored four goals in three games, two of them at home. "We are a team and we work together to find a way to win, even if sometimes we are not in a good position to win."
Two goals from him helped FCPC shake up Mumbai City's defence and the Uruguayan was in the thick of celebrations, running towards the stands and urging fans to cheer louder. "The win (against MCFC) was an example of incredible teamwork,” he said. He converted a penalty-kick with confidence and swept home a pass in the goalmouth for the winner.
Two goals at the end was proof of self-belief in Alfaro and his team-mates, even when trailing till the 74th minute and facing a ruthless Mumbai City backline, with goalkeeper Amrinder Singh in supreme form. “We love football because of that. Sometimes just two minutes can change everything. Even when we were down, we had confidence with the ball, we tried to play our game.”
Alfaro, who represented Lazio in Serie A, was NEUFC's top-scorer last season with five goals and is outwitting defenders at will and scoring stylish goals. He described the winner for FCPC, sensing the opportunity like a hunter. “I was in there in that minute, my partner Diego (Carlos) gave me the ball to finish. The win is good for our confidence.” He scored once each against Delhi Dynamos FC at home and Atletico de Kolkata away.
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