FC Goa vs Al Seeb: Impressive new signings, tactical adaptability, injury concerns, and other talking points

FC Goa have qualified for the ACL 2 group stage with a breathtaking win over Al Seeb.

FC Goa completed their return to the Asian stage with a remarkable victory against Al Seeb in the preliminary round fixture. The Gaurs once again impressed on the continental level as they edged past the Omani club in an absolute thriller of a contest. This achievement has come at a time when Indian Football fans are desperate for a glimmer of hope amidst all the chaos.

In a nerve-racking match, FC Goa held their nerves to withstand the pressure. The impeccable defensive solidity was backed up by a clinical performance from the forwards. Putting the cliche of ‘momentum’ aside, the Gaurs shocked Al Seeb against the run of play twice to take a 2-0 lead.

However, that lead was halved without much delay, but the club from Oman did not have enough in their tank to produce an equalizer. Goa successfully held on to the lead to see out the match.

This 2-1 win has ensured a spot in the ACL 2 group stage for the Gaurs. They will be the second Indian club to feature in the group stage alongside Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Goa’s triumph over Al Seeb has strengthened the Indian presence in the competition. In this article, we will dive deep to look at some of the significant talking points from this thriller.

Also Read: FC Goa edge past Al Seeb in a thriller to confirm their ACL 2 group stage berth

5. No preparation? No problem.

The most challenging aspect of the elementary Asian assignment for FC Goa was the lack of preparation. The Gaurs did not have the opportunity to prepare for this ordeal, as the club could not take part in the Durand Cup. With the monsoon setting in, the already short period of preparation was curtailed. FC Goa played games against the developmental side of Dempo SC.

The Gaurs also played against Salgaocar FC and India U23 side. These matches were not remotely close to the challenge that they had to face against Al Seeb in the ACL 2 preliminary fixture. But when glory beckons, no adversity can prove to be a big enough roadblock.

4. New Signings shine

Ahead of this crucial fixture, the Gaurs were busy making reinforcements to their squad. The club made some exciting overseas signings, all of whom proved why they have been given the opportunity to wear the famous orange of FC Goa. Pol Moreno, David Timor, and Javier Siverio were the new faces in the starting lineup and each one of them had a massive impact on the game.

Pol Moreno has taken charge of the defense right from his debut, sweating it out to guard FC Goa’s goal. In the midfield, David Timor left an indelible imprint to start his stint in India on a high note. The former Jamshedpur man, Javier Siverio, stole the limelight by scoring the winning goal for FC Goa, taking his doubters to cleaners.

3. Injury scare

The playing conditions in Goa were testing, and it took its toll. A few of the FC Goa players were seen struggling. Aakash Sangwan and Borja Herrera took to the ground, putting FC Goa fans in anxiety. Herrera recovered quickly, but Sangwan’s struggle ultimately forced Manolo Marquez to substitute him.

It remains to be seen whether the left-back is facing serious trouble. With the whole season ahead, this is not a good sign for the Gaurs as Sangwan is one of the most crucial players for them. With Jay Gupta leaving, Goa don’t have a quality backup, which can put their season in jeopardy.

2. Drazic dazzles in a thrilling drama

The star of this Goan conquest has to be the Serbian Dejan Drazic. FC Goa’s left wing saw the jaw-dropping brilliance, trickery, and indomitable work rate. Drazic gave the Gaurs the lead against Al Seeb against the run of play, but that was just one aspect of his all-round performance.

He kept the Al Seeb defenders under intense pressure whenever he got the opportunity. Making some darting runs into the box, the winger was a nuisance for the Omani side.

This fixture was a test of character for FC Goa players, and Drazic aced that test. The Serbian led the Goan offensive, but he also contributed to the defensive output. He kept tracking back to assist the defenders in doubling up on the Al Seeb attackers.

1. Tactical adaptability from Manolo Marquez

Manolo Marquez is a tactician par excellence, and he continues to bolster this notion with a masterclass of performance against Al Seeb. FC Goa under Marquez is known to be a technically sound side with a tendency to keep the ball and play with it to frustrate the opposition.

However, when the situation required tweaks, the Spanish tactician didn’t shy away and introduced changes to his playing style. This defensive masterclass has made it clear that Manolo Marquez has multiple tricks up his sleeve moving ahead in the season.

FC Goa’s performance against the Omani club was marked by resilience in the defense and an undying spirit to not let the opposition pass through. Without the ball, as was the case for the majority of the match, FC Goa set themselves up in a 4-4-2 formation. Keeping the centre of the park compact.

The Gaurs forced Al Seeb to go wide, which helped them in dealing with the onslaught. Defenders and forwards alike, the effort was evident from each player. This victory highlighted the tactical acumen of the coach and the indefatigable spirit of the players.

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