FC Goa featured amongst top Asian side in MARCA's continental poll

The Gaurs are the first Indian side to be named in a referendum of its nature.

Renowned Spanish media outlet MARCA recently posted a poll on its website in order to decide the best football club in the world. The first round of the poll is being held on the basis of continents with North American, South American, European, African and Asian clubs all being represented on the basis of form, style and success over the recent calendar year.

FC Goa from India has also been nominated among eight Asian clubs. Take a look at the poll here.

Goa are second in the ISL this season and have played some great football under Sergio Lobera, whose appointment to the Goan outfit was also covered extensively by MARCA in 2017. Despite never managing to win the Indian Super League, Goa have always been an exciting side, who have attracted the enthusiasm and interest of football lovers in the country, with their emphasis on style and flair on the pitch.

The other Asian clubs include Kashima Antlers from Japan, Al Sadd from Qatar, Persepolis from Iran, Al Ittihad from Saudi Arabia, Guangzhou Evergrande from China, Al Nassr from Saudi Arabia and Esteghlal FC from Iran.

The poll also features heavyweights like Al Ahly, Raja Casablanca and Mamelodi Sundowns representing the continent of Africa.

River Plate, Independiente, Santos FC, Boca Juniors, LA Galaxy and Flamengo represent the Americas.

Europe has been represented by clubs like Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC, Juventus FC, Manchester United, FC Bayern, A.C. Milan, Paris Saint Germain and AFC Ajax.

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The Gaurs recently sealed a playoffs spot after beating Kerala Blasters 3-0 in Margao. This is in stark contrast to their performance at this stage last season, where Goa were struggling to put together a decent band of results and qualifying for the playoffs seemed quite a stern challenge. Lobera, the man at the helm of the Goan outfit is being credited as the man behind this turnaround and improvement in results. 

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Alongside their defensive solidity, Goa have also scored the most numebr of goals in this campaign and have the best goal-difference as well. Despite their high-flying form right now, Lobera understands the importance of keeping one's feet on the ground and the former Las Palmas manager has cited the example of Bengaluru FC last season as a cautionary tale. 

This is the first time an Indian side has qualified for the MARCA continental poll.