Tag: FC Goa

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Hyderabad FC, ATKMB face-off in big clash at Fatorda

Jan 5, 2022 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #ATKMB, #Bartholomew Ogbeche, #Disney+ Hotstar, #FC Goa, #HFC, #Hugo Boumous, #JioTV., #Juan Ferrando, #Liston (Colaco), #Manolo, #Manolo Marquez, #Manvir Singh, #NorthEast United, #Roy Krishna

Goa: After seeing off 2021 with a resounding 6-1 victory over Odisha FC, Hyderabad FC are back in action in the Indian Super League for the first time in the new year when they take on ATK Mohun Bagan in an away game at Fatorda on Wednesday.

Currently 2nd in the league table, HFC have 15 points from eight games while ATKMB has 14 points from their eight games and stand in the 4th position, making this game a crucial one for either side as three points takes the winner to the summit.

After a strong start to the campaign, ATKMB had a tough run of results. A change in leadership followed when they roped in Juan Ferrando from Goa after their clash against Hyderabad. The Spaniard is into this third game as the coach of the Kolkata-based side and HFC Head Coach Manolo Marquez believes that he will take time to implement his system at ATKMB.

“Juan Ferrando is a very good coach, but he has just arrived at the club. He has had more time to work with the team now and he will try to change something but at the moment, they are similar to their time under the previous coach,” said Manolo.

“Ferrando will try to change the style but this takes time. ATKMB are a big team and for sure, they will fight for the title,” he added.

The Mariners have the likes of Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Roy Krishna and Manvir Singh in fine form in front of goal. Pritam Kotal, Tiri and Carl McHugh add balance to the side and will be a tough team to face on Wednesday.

“When you play against strong teams, every detail is important. Liston, Roy Krishna, Manvir, Williams are all dangerous players in open play and set-pieces,” said Manolo.

“But we have to control the game and try to stick to our style of play. We cannot go to the game and try to defend these players and wait for that one chance. We have to stick to our style and play at our best,” he added.

The HFC Head Coach also revealed that Halicharan Narzary remains the only player sidelined for this game with the injury. ATK Mohun Bagan has no new injury issues to worry about either, ahead of this clash.

Speaking about the game, Manolo Marquez further added, “ATKMB are a strong side but we cannot change our style for this game. Both teams will have chances to win and we will give our best.”

The hosts are fresh from back-to-back wins over FC Goa and NorthEast United and will be high on confidence going into this game. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC is also in good form, and are unbeaten in their last seven league games, while they also have the best defence in the league at this stage.

Bartholomew Ogbeche will look to add to his goals to take back the lead in the ISL Golden Boot race while former HFC player Liston Colaco will want to keep up his form and continue to lead the charts for Indian goal scorers this season.

The game kicks off at 7:30 pm IST on Wednesday and will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network with live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV.

FC Goa welcomes backs Oaksmith Gold as Associate Sponsor
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FC Goa welcomes backs Oaksmith Gold as Associate Sponsor

Dec 2, 2021 by Agency 0 Comments #Akshay Tandon, #Beam Suntory India, #FC Goa, #head of marketing, #President, #Ruchika Gupta

Mumbai: FC Goa is delighted to announce that Oaksmith Gold will be back as the Club’s Associate Sponsor after the two brands agreed on a new three-year deal. The new deal will see Oaksmith Gold be associated with the Club till the summer of 2024.

As part of the new partnership, the Oaksmith Gold logo will appear on all FC Goa matchday shirts at the ‘right chest’ position. Additionally, Oaksmith Gold will be partners in producing some of the most engaging digital content pieces on the FC Goa social media channels.

The sponsorship grants Oaksmith Gold rights to use the FC Goa marks and player images in advertising in key markets throughout India.

Speaking on the new long-term association between the two brands, FC Goa President Akshay Tandon said, “We are extremely happy to extend our partnership with Oaksmith Gold for a second season. Our first season together was a fruitful one, with both the brands forming a strong connection. This extension is a real testament to exactly that.

We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship together. There is a very bright future ahead for FC Goa and Oaksmith Gold together as we continue to grow in our respective fields.”

Ruchika Gupta, Head of Marketing, Beam Suntory India further commented on the partnership, stating, “Oaksmith Gold partners FC Goa for yet another season, as both share a common ground of what is revered internationally yet curated for the Indian audience. While Oaksmith is an emerging premium international brand, garnering international accolades, standing out with its Finest Japanese Craftsmanship, FC Goa brings forth the unmatched experience of an internationally venerated sport engaging a niche, discerning audience set in India.

As consumers’ interests diversify beyond cricket, football has been garnering viewership from ahead of the curve early adopters in India and with this partnership, we hope to give the nudge soccer interest needs in the country.”

Kunal Kundaikar signs for FC Goa on a three-year deal
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FC Goa sign promising defender Kunal Kundaikar on a three-year deal

Aug 5, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #FC Goa, #FC Goa Director of Football, #Kunal Kundaikar, #Ravi Puskur

Hyderabad: Kunal Kundaikar is a Gaur. FC Goa is delighted to announce that the Club has reached an agreement with Sporting Clube de Goa to secure the services of the promising young defender.

Kundaikar today put pen to paper on a three-year deal after FC Goa agreed to an undisclosed transfer fee with the Flaming Orange, a season after helping his former side win the Goa Pro League title in his first season with the club.

The 22-year-old will be given the chance to impress upon Juan Ferrando and will be involved with the first team for the pre-season.

A fan of Sergio Ramos, the youngster was delighted at completing the move, one which he describes as a dream come true.

“I have been an FC Goa fan. I have been to the Fatorda (Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru) Stadium on many occasions. I have lived the moments, the games and now to be able to have a chance at striding out onto the pitch like so many of my idols is a dream come true,” said the defender after completing the formalities.

FC Goa Director of Football, Ravi Puskur also commented on the latest addition to the squad. He said, “Kunal is a player who we’ve had on our radar for a fair bit of time. He has a number of qualities that we value in a player. He’s a young Goan player with a great future and has been a part of teams that have won the Taca de Goa and the Goa Pro League in recent seasons. In addition to his defensive qualities, he is composed on the ball and has a good passing range. We’re delighted to have signed him and we look forward to him growing with us.”

The young defender started his career with FC Neura, where he signed in 2014 as a part of their U18 team. Playing primarily as a winger, he shined in his very first season – especially in the inter-village tournaments playing for Goa Velha Sports Club.

Goa Velha signed him the very next season, where he played the GFA First Division (2nd tier in Goan footballing pyramid) for the side. Panjim Footballers and a chance at playing in the Goa Pro League came calling in 2016.

The next two seasons saw him transform from a winger to a defender capable of playing across the backline. He grew into one of the most important players in the side whilst winning the Taca Goa (GFA’s U20 tournament).

He signed for Sporting Clube de Goa in 2018, but was sent back on loan to Panjim Footballer for the next two seasons. The 2018/19 season saw Kundaikar win the Reliance Cup in Goa, playing for Fr. Agnel College, Pillar before again delivering the Taca Goa title.

The following season saw him named the captain for Panjim Footballers before securing a move to the Sporting side for the 2020/21 season. In his first season with the club, the youngster helped the side to a Goa Pro League title whilst being named ‘Defender of the Season’ at the club.

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Hindsight: Juan Ferrando stresses on further improvement after first win of the campaign

Dec 7, 2020 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #FC Goa, #Juan Ferrando

Mumbai: FC Goa celebrated their first win under Juan Ferrando on Sunday when the Gaurs overcame Kerala Blasters 3-1, powered by Igor Angulo’s second brace of the season.

It was a dominating performance from Ferrando’s men. True to their style and philosophy, the Gaurs were the ones who took the initiative and ended the game with the majority of possession and more chances created. The head coach, though, stressed on further improvement in the days to come.

“I am happy about the final score, of course. For us, 3 points in all the games will be important. But it is important to continue working and prepare for the game against Odisha because there are some aspects of the game that I am not so pleased with,” remarked Ferrando.

“I am more focussed on the transitions more than anything. That and the high press is what I am looking at more critically. That where there is room for improvement. It’s possible to win 5-0. We want to win 5-0 or 6-0, but we have to take things step by step. Our target is Odisha now and to get the three points again.”

Ortiz to the fore

Sunday also marked Jorge Ortiz’s first goal in FC Goa colours. The winger has looked a real threat down the wings in all the games that he has played, and his sense of adventure was finally rewarded.

The Spaniard could have brought down the roof at Fatorda with a venomous hit from 35 odd yards out. Ortiz tussled with Nishu Kumar, got up after falling down, controlled the ball before unleashing a pile driver. The crossbar though came in the way of which could have arguably been the goal of the season.

He continued to be a prominent thorn in the Kerala backline and his perseverance finally paid off in the second half. A neat one-two with Brandon Fernandes helped him find space in the penalty box. A delightful first touch was followed by a ferocious shot that left Albino Gomes in the Kerala goal without a prayer.

“I am really happy about Ortiz (getting his first goal). He has been working hard. He has a number of qualities. He has a great shot and can cross the ball really well. His performance is getting better by the day,” said the head coach on the Spaniard’s performance.

“In my opinion, they need more time (to get up to speed). These guys need more games and more training sessions. I feel in two more weeks, this team would be in a lot better place.”

High praise for Kerala

Whilst the Gaurs ran out comfortable 3-1 winners in the end, Ferrando had high praise for Kerala, a team he feels will climb up the table in the days to come and finish amongst the top teams in the league.

“If the people saw today’s game, I hope that they really enjoyed it. It was two teams who were looking to play football and attack each other. They were building through second actions and positional attack. In my opinion, Kerala will be most likely in the top positions,” Ferrando opined.

“I think we had more clear opportunities, but both the teams really tried to play football. And I think we dominated the 10-12 minutes after going 2 goals up. With the score at 0-0 and 1-0, though I feel Kerala gave a good account of themselves with Facundo (Pereyra) and Vicente (Gomez) in midfield. Their two wingbacks were also really impressive. They are fantastic players.

“I understand it is a difficult moment for them (having not won a match yet this season). It was the same with us. However, I feel they will improve with each coming day. I am really pleased to have won against them, they are a really good side. They play really good football and that is important for the fans, the supporters and for the future of football in India.”

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Numbers Speak: FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters, Statistical Preview

Dec 6, 2020 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #ATK Mohun Bagan, #FC Goa, #Kerala Blasters

Mumbai: Sunday night at Fatorda will see FC Goa go up against Kerala Blasters in a fixture which will see both sides looking to get their first win of the campaign. Tied on points at the bottom half of the table, three points in the game will not act as a shot in the arm for the winning team but also see them head into the top 4. 

Juan Ferrando’s men have impressed all and sundry with their ability to keep possession of the ball and rule over the midfield. The start of the season, however, has seen the Gaurs not at their precise best in the final third. 

“Am I happy about the situation at the moment? No, 2 points from 3 games are not something to be happy about. Is there pressure? There is pressure every day in the life, whether it be in a game or a training session.” remarked FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando ahead of the game when asked if there was any pressure on him to deliver in terms of points this early in the season. 

“There are many positives to take from the games we have played. I would have been more worried if we were being overwhelmed in games or if the defense was a disaster or if we were not able to create opportunities at all. That would have been a bigger concern. 

“Right now we all know how we want to play. We are all putting our honest efforts and looking at the details. There are many things we are doing well and we have to see make some finer adjustments and the results, I feel are sure to come.” 

The challenge ahead

Like the Gaurs, the Blaster has a new squad under a new boss as well. Kibu Vicuna took over the reins at Kerala earlier this year after leading Mohun Bagan to triumph in the I-League last season. The Spaniard, though, is yet to taste success as head coach of the Blasters. 

The two-time finalists lost their season-opener 1-0 to ATK Mohun Bagan before letting a 2-goal cushion slip away against NorthEast in the dying moments to record a draw. Their last game against Chennaiyin produced many thrilling moments. Both teams, though, were unable to find the back of the net. 

The Blasters are likely to miss their skipper Sergio Cidoncha on Sunday. The Spaniard was reportedly ruled out for a lengthy spell after sustaining an injury to his ankle in his last game against Chennaiyin. 

Kibu Vicuna’s men have looked solid at the back and industrious in the middle. They are yet to see the best from their striker Gary Hooper and their faithful will be hoping that both his as well as the team’s best days lie in front of them this season. 

Speaking on the Blasters and the game on Sunday, Juan Ferrando held the Blasters in high regard. 

“Our game against Kerala on Sunday is going to be a good game, I feel,” stated Ferrando. “It’s a game between two teams who like to attack and play a passing style. Very similar to us, they have a lot of positives to take from their games. I felt they were the superior team in their game against NorthEast and could have easily won as well against Chennaiyin. They are an excellent team, and I feel they are one that will certainly rise up the table in the days to come.” 

10 things to know: 

Heading into the game on Sunday between two hungry packs in FC Goa and Kerala Blasters, here are 10 things, you should know: 

1. Everything points to goals on Sunday at the Fatorda when Goa takes on Kerala. There have simply been no goalless draws between these two teams out of the 12 times that they have faced off against each other in the ISL. The last 10 games have in fact seen the two teams score 3 or more goals on each occasion.

2. The Gaurs are yet to take the lead in any of the games so far. The Men In Orange, have in fact been the first to concede in 4 of their last 5 ISL games and haven’t kept a clean sheet in those 5 games as well. 

3. FC Goa were the only side last season to have not conceded a penalty. The Gaurs’ fortune has turned quite drastically this season, conceding 2 penalties in the first 3 games of the season. 

4. FC Goa have been synonymous with goals in the ISL. The Gaurs have found the back of the net 3 or more times in 8 of their last 10 games. They are yet to hit 3 this time around. 

5. The Gaurs have been the dominant force in the history of this fixture. The last three seasons have been seen the Gaurs go unbeaten in games against the Blasters. This includes 5 wins and a draw. Blaster’s last win against Goa came on November 8, 2016, when goals from CK Vineeth and Kervens Belfort helped Kerala to a 2-1 win. 

6. FC Goa have had the upper hand on most occasions that these two teams have come across. The Gaurs have been the dominant team in this tie by a long way, winning 8 of the 12 matches that the two ISL sides have played against each other.

7. Great goal scoring or some poor defending? FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters in the ISL has seen both teams scoring in nine of the last nine games played against each other. The only exception in this regard was the 3-0 win for the Men in Orange in February last year. 

8. The Blasters haven’t kept a clean sheet against the Gaurs in any of their last 11 meetings. Their only clean sheet in the fixture came in their very first meeting on November 6, 2014. In goal, that day for the Blasters was David James.

9. Igor Angulo currently leads the standings for the ISL Golden Boot. The Spaniard has scored 3 in as many games – the same as Adam Le Fondre, Roy Krishna and Nerijus Valskis. The Spaniard, however, leads the standing owing to a better goal per minutes record, scoring a goal every 81 minutes.

10.Edu Bedia continues to lead the league in terms of passes. The Spaniard has been the lynchpin of the Gaurs this season ever since taking over the captaincy. The midfielder has sprayed around 239 passes so far in only 3 games –  an average of nearly 80 passes a game.