The Goa v Kolkata encounter was built up as the South American Superclasico, with Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho’s Goa 5s taking on Argentine legend Hernan Crespo’s Kolkata 5s. Both the players were chosen by Pele in his list of 100 greatest footballers alive. Crespo's Kolkata, though, showed more dominance to take the contest 4-2.
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The match started brightly for the Kolkata side when Pula found space to smash one in from about 10 yards from the opener. The team soon went 2-0 ahead when Crespo found space to free-up Indian talent Mohammed Islam for a tap-in. The second quarter failed to produce a goal but it was definitely not short of entertainment with the excited crowd cheering for every touch Ronaldinho took.
Things changed dramatically in the second half as both the teams went all out for a goal. Goa pulled one back immediately when Indian talent Fredsan found room in the left side. His powerful shot into the right corner gave the keeper no chance and made it 2-1.
But Kolkata soon got back its two goal cushion when Crespo produced a delicious turn to score from inside the penalty box. There was to be yet more excitement in the quarter, though. Vampeta capitalised on a mistake from the keeper to make it 3-2.
Goa needed a goal badly but the fourth quarter started with Kolkata dominating the proceedings. Ronaldinho produced some deft touches but still looked short of match fitness. Fredsan’s night ended in an anti-climax when he was involved in an own-goal. An unlucky deflection lifted the ball above a rushing keeper and made it 4-2 for Kolkata.
Man of the match: Pula
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