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Showing posts with label Indian Soccer League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indian Soccer League. Show all posts

Saturday 24 December 2016

ISL 2016: Recap Of the Season - ATK Wins Title, Kerala Wins Fans

#IndianSoccerLeague2016 #ISL 2016
#LetsFootball #Tournament #RoundUp

So, the #ISL Season 3 is finally over and #ATK deservedly won the final and the trophy for second time in 3 years. #KeralaBlasters came agonizingly second, yet again and will have to wait another year for a shot at glory.

Here's a round up of the entire tournament:

Week 1: #NEUFC North East United FC were surprise table toppers and #FCGoa were at the bottom stunning everyone.

Week 2: NEUFC started slipping but maintained their top spot. Kerala Blasters hadn't scored a single goal.Wow!

Week after week, the table positions started changing hands quickly especially the top of the table. #MumbaiCityFC held on to the top position the longest. 

#PuneCityFC and #NEUFC are the only teams not to participate in finals of any season yet. So, they do need to pull up their socks.

#DelhiDynamos' Souvik Chatterjee clocked most minutes on the pitch for any player this season, an average of 92 minutes on the pitch. That's staggering!
#DDs had a season high of 7,395 passes, almost a thousand more than second placed #ATK.

#ATK won the league, #Kerala won fans and their love. 

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Atletico de Kolkata players celebrate after receiving the trophy. ISL

Friday 9 December 2016

ISL 2016: ATK v Mumbai City FC Semifinal First Leg Promises To Be A Thriller

#ISL2016 #IndianSoccerLeague
#Semifinals

#ATK being the first team to make the semi-finals in all the three editions, former champions know a thing or two about achieving success in the Indian Super League as they today stressed on a winning start in the last-four fixture against Mumbai City FC.

ATK were thrashed 0-3 by Chennaiyin FC last season in the first leg semi-final, something that led to their ouster in 2015.


Atletico de Kolkata's Sameehg Doutie. ISL

Having learnt their lessons the hard way, ATK's South African midfielder Sameehg Doutie said they're focused on a winning start and hoped they would have the advantage to start the semifinal leg at home.

#TableToppers #Mumbai City #FC, on the other hand, qualified for the #Semifinals for the first time in three seasons after they outclassed defending champions #Chennaiyin #FC 2-0.

Their only loss at home this season had come against the same team Mumbai City FC who won via a 79th minute Diego Forlan goal in the league fixture on October 25.

Their record at the adopted Rabindra Sarobar Stadium has been poor with only one win (against Delhi Dynamos FC) from seven matches but Doutie said it did not matter.

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Monday 21 November 2016

ISL 2016: Mumbai City "Blast" Kerala Blasters 5-0

#ISL2016 
#Indian #Soccer #League

#MumbaiCityFC misfiring attack came to life against #KeralaBlasters
On Saturday, facing the best defence in the league, a team that had just registered two wins on the spin while scoring five goals, and coming into the game on the back of a week's rest, Mumbai's misfiring attack — that had just drawn a blank in Goa three days ago — had the odds stacked against them.




Within five minutes of the whistle, the famed Kerala rearguard was breached. It wasn't just a goal that gave Mumbai's attack the confidence which was lacking, but it also set the tone for the rest of the evening. Lining up in a 4-3-3 formation rather than their usual 4-2-3-1, Mumbai's extra man in the middle of the park was telling, right from the outset.

As the #Blasters tried to play their way out, Krisztian #Vadocz won the ball in midfield and immediately found Sunil #Chhetri, who had dropped deep to collect the ball. The Indian captain then found Matias #Defederico on the right side and played it to him first time. 

By then, Diego #Forlan had made a run from the left into the space vacated by Chhetri, and Defederico while shielding the ball from the Blasters players, waited for Forlan to reach the danger area and then floated a brilliant through ball with the outside of his foot. Forlan was away. The Uruguayan used his experience and shrugged off Cedric Hengbart's challenge before firing past Graham Stack.

The attacking trio of Forlan-Chhetri-Defederico was combining and inter-changing, and with Cafu bombing forward occasionally, the hosts were creating menace in the Kerala defence. On 13 minutes, the visitors conceded a cheap free-kick just outside the box in the wake of growing pressure from the home side.

It gave Forlan the chance to give fans in India a glimpse of his real quality. He stepped and dispatched the free kick in the top corner in typical Forlan style and Mumbai were simply over the hill and gone too for away for Kerala, even with just 15 minutes played.

What followed was something Mumbai had been doing pretty well already this season. The 2-0 lead gave them the opportunity to control the game and they did just that. While it meant surrendering a bit of possession to the away side, but it hardly bothered the home side who almost never lost their defensive shape.

The back four were solid and very well protected by Sehnaj and Vadocz, while Forlan and Defederico, playing as inverted wingers, immediately dropped back to make it a five-man midfield every time the hosts appeared to lose control of the ball. It wasn't left to chance and it happened every single time.

With every player performing their duties perfectly, it was only in the 90th minute that the visitors got their first shot on target from open play - a hopeful long range effort from full-back #Josu. It also took them 61 minutes to register their first shot on target, which was a tame effort from CK #Vineeth from a set piece.

Despite having 19 points on the board, Mumbai aren't assured of a place in the semi-finals yet, but with such good defensive discipline been shown by the entire team and with a strong attack that's come alive just at the right moment, they are few flaws in the team at the moment.

#DelhiDynamos might have a few things to say, but Mumbai City FC are now the league's team to beat.

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Mumbai City FC's misfiring attack came to life against Kerala Blasters. Image Courtesy: ISL FB

Saturday 19 November 2016

ISL 2016: Chennaiyin FC Break Winless Streak, Beat FC Pune City 2-0

#ISL2016 
#IndianSoccerLeague

#Chennai: Defending Champions #ChennaiyinFC were back to their winning ways through #Jeje Lalpekhlua and Davide #Succi #Goals beating FC Pune City 2-0 in their Indian Super League (ISL) football match at Chennai.

A headed goal by Jeje in the 44th minute and another strike from Succi in the 51st minute were enough for Chennaiyin to collect three points from their first win after beating NorthEast United in Guwahati on 20 October 2016.

#Pune will be concerned about their chances of #Qualification for #Semifinals. The team coached by former ISL winner Antonio #Habas is now placed sixth, although they are only a point behind the defending champions.

Needing to win to keep their chances alive, Chennaiyin coach #MarcoMaterazzi made five changes to his starting line-up as he introduced players like #Eder Monteiro, Hans #Mulder, Davide #Succi and Manuele #Blasi to the starting line-up while #Karanjit Singh was preferred as goalkeeper.

#Habas did not change much, making just one, opting for Raju #Yumnam in place of Rahul #Bheke. Pune started well and had decent chances before they fell by the wayside. #Anibal Zurdo was the first to try his luck with a #Freekick that missed the target by a whisker and Lenny Rodrigues made a fine run on the right but his final attempt lacked power and direction, despite being in a good position.

Raphael #Augusto was the most impressive player for #Chennaiyin. The Brazilian made his intention clear in the 21st minute when he intercepted a pass from Jonatan #Lucca, ran down the flank but ended with a disappointing right-footer when passing to Succi would have been a better option.

Chennaiyin drew first blood just before half-time through Jeje. Bernard Mendy started the move by playing the ball for Raphael in the middle. The Brazilian found Mulder whose cross for Succi got a touch before reaching Jeje and the highest Indian goal-scorer in the ISL did the rest by beating Pune goalkeeper Edel Bete with a smart header from close.

#Bete and Pune were down again early in the second session. In the 51st minute, Succi rose high to head a brilliant cross from Raphael and beat both his marker, Eduardo Ferreira, and a leaping #GoalKeeper.

Pune tried to fight their way back but Chennaiyin were just too solid in defence, not giving any chance whatsoever to their rivals.

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ISL action between Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City. Twitter/ @ChennaiyinFC

Friday 11 November 2016

ISL 2016: Forlan Leads Mumbai Beat ATK

#ISL2016 #Indian #Soccer #League

Star Uruguayan striker Diego #Forlan struck a late goal as Mumbai City FC snapped Atletico de Kolkata's unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory and jumped to the top spot in the Indian Super League (#ISL) in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The former Atletico Madrid and Villareal star with more than 100 caps for his country, scored the all-important goal in the 85th minute to help his side record their third win in seven matches.

With Tuesday's win at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Mumbai jumped three places to be at the top spot of ISL table with 11 points from three wins, two losses and two draws, pushing NorthEast United (NEU) to the second position. NorthEast have 10 points from six matches.




This was Forlan's second goal in the tournament after he scored from the spot in Mumbai's 1-0 win against NorthEast at home on 7 October. For ATK, it was their first loss in six matches and they are now on third spot with nine points from two wins, three draws and one loss.

The first half was a very entertaining end-to-end contest, but neither team was successful to get the goal. Mumbai had a wonderful chance to take the lead in the 33rd minute but ATK goalkeeper Debjit Majumder made a vital save as he palmed over a ferocious shot by Sony Norde.

The home side started the second half brightly by introducing Bidyananda Singh, who whipped in some dangerous crosses in. After that, both the teams settled down and the match looked heading for a stalemate.

But then came the game-changing moment in the 85th minute when 37-year-old Forlan put in Norde's deflected shot-cum-cross into the back of the ATK net. This was Forlan's first goal from an open play.

ATK got a chance at the very end when they earned a free kick at the edge of the Mumbai box. Javier Lara took it and his powerful shot was on target but only to see Mumbai keeper Albino Gomes making a diving save.

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Diego Forlan scored in the minute. AFP



Saturday 22 October 2016

ISL 2016: Indian Players Need Better Facilities To Become World Class - FC Goa midfielder Jofre

#ISL2016
#IndianSoccerLeague #Season3

For Indian football to develop, the stress should be on creating an environment where players do not just enjoy the sport but are well aware of their tactical positioning, feels #Spanish #Midfielder #Jofre Mateu Gonzalez.



The #FCGoa #Footballer who robbed Atletico de Kolkata (#ATK) of a win by winning and converting a late #Penalty here on Sunday, said: "You need to have academies where children grow in a #Football environment."

"It's not only about practicing and enjoying the game, but knowing a lot about being part of a team, a lot of skills and #Tactical issues which you must know in your (playing) position," Jofre added.

"It's very good for the #League and for the country. And my mates (Indian players at FC Goa), you can see they are improving every year." Jofre, who has played over 300 games in the second division of the #Spanish #LaLiga, pointed out the importance of off-field activities like nutrition and rest, which are as important as the on-field development.

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File image of Jofre. AFP

Friday 21 October 2016

ISL 2016: Delhi Dynamos Rally From Behind To Hold Mumbai City FC 3-3

#ISL2016
#Indian #Soccer #League #Season 3

#Delhi #Dynamos and #MumbaiCity #FC are at second position but the former are above because of better goal difference.

Delhi Dynamos staged a remarkable comeback to play out a 3-3 draw with Mumbai City FC in a high-scoring encounter of the Indian Super League (#ISL), which witnessed end-to-end football throughout, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

For Mumbai City FC, Hungarian midfielder Krisztian #Vadocz found the net twice, in the 33rd and 38th minutes, and the consistent Sony #Norde added to the tally by finding the back of the net in the 69th minute at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Richard Gadze opened the account for the hosts when he found the target in the 51st minute and then substitute Badara #Badji and #Marcelinho scored in the 76th and 82nd minutes respectively.

This was the ongoing #season's highest scoring game. It was an impressive outing by Mumbai too, considering that they were missing a few key players, though their coach Alexandre Borges #Guimaraes will be livid for twice letting slip the advantage.

Mumbai City FC remained on second position with two wins, two draws and a defeat after five appearances, while Delhi Dynamos moved to second place owing to a better #Goal #Difference than #AtleticoDeKolkata.

Dynamos have played four #Matches and recorded a win and three #Draws. This was their third successive draw after starting the #Campaign with a win. The match started on a positive note with both teams looking to #Attack. 

The first breakthrough came when VadĂ³cz, after being fed by playmaker Leonardo Da Costa with a through, sent the ball into the bottom right corner.

Barely five minutes later, it was VadĂ³cz again who emerged as the scorer. Norde took the freekick from just outside the box and Dynamos goalkeeper Roberto Volpato tried to palm it away, but Vadocz headed it off the rebound to make it 2-0 for the visitors.

Mumbai City went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion. The visitors were the better of the two sides in the first half. Two goals in the space of six minutes changed the complexion completely and the pressure was certainly on Delhi Dynamos and their coach Gianluca #Zambrotta. Before the breather, the hosts did not really create any great opportunities.

However, they upped their game in the second half and eventually forced Mumbai to settle for a stalemate. The Dynamos came out all guns blazing and first scored through Gadze. Skipper Florent Malouda sent a through to #Marcelo and he, in turn, squared one to #Gadze, who made no mistake while finding the back of the net.

Replay showed that Marcelo could have been offside, but the goal stood. Even as Dynamos tried to come back into the game, Sony Norde dribbled past Souvik Chakraborty and slotted the ball at the far bottom corner.

Mumbai were sitting pretty at that stage with a two-goal cushion again. But there was more to come as Dynamos rallied to find the net through Badji. Malouda played the ball to Badji and he only had #Volpato to beat, and he did that successfully.

As the Mumbai goalkeeper came out rushing to collect the ball, the referee called for penalty, and Marcelinho managed to beat Volpato with a wonderful spot kick. The goalkeeper guessed it correctly as he dived to the right, but the ball evaded his fingertips.

Mumbai made three changes from their 1-0 loss to Blasters. David Lalrinmuana, Boithang Haokip and Cardozo went out and in came Sony Norde, for his first appearance, Pronay Halder and Sena Ralte.

For #Dynamos, goalkeeper Toni Doblas alongside the likes of #Sweepers Lalchhawnkima, Ruben Rocha and holding #Midfielder Marcos Tebar were benched for this game and included in their places were former Aizawl goalkeeper Soram Poirei, David Addy and Ibrahima Niasse.

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isl, isl 2016, delhi vs mumbai, mumbai vs delhi, delhi dynamos vs mumbai city fc, mumbai vs delhi isl, football news, football

Tuesday 11 October 2016

ISL 2016 Last Minute Goal Exposes FC Goa Brittle Defence Vs FC Pune City

#ISL2016
#Indian #Soccer #League

Fragility is fast becoming the overarching trait that defines manager #Zico's #FC #Goa.This goes back to the last season of the Indian Super League (#ISL) in which #Goa thumped #MumbaiCity #FC by a record seven-goal margin, yet also suffered two 0-4 meltdowns against #AtleticoDeKolkata and #ChennaiyinFC, in addition to throwing away a last-minute lead in the final at home.

Dying moments of that final would've replayed in the minds of the Goan supporters on Saturday night, when #FC #PuneCity's forward Momar #Ndoye breezed past #Lucio, the home team's marquee defender, and curled in a 90th-minute winner that gave goalkeeper Laxmikant #Kattimani no chance of saving. It meant another disjoint display by Goa ended in another defeat.


ISL

FC Pune City had won only once in 14 away matches heading into this fixture and that was back in 2014 during the inaugural season. The visitors carried mental baggage of their own, even with a revamped squad. However, there's a growing belief in Goa's opponents that if you can stop Zico's men from scoring, you will, sooner or later, be gifted clear-cut openings to take full advantage of.

The Brazilian manager had a familiar moan after the match — "we created many chances but we were able to convert just once"— and to a certain extent, it's hard not to sympathise with him. Two gilt-edged chances fell to Romeo Fernandes, a second-half substitute who brought with him greater attacking emphasis, but the Indian winger shot one straight at the goalkeeper and skied the other high and wide.

On the other hand, Pune profited twice from a handful of their own opportunities. Arata Izumi converted a generous rebound into an open goal, while Ndoye found himself in space and one-on-one with Lucio. All of Pune's six shots were on target and, furthermore, they were unlucky not to have at least one, if not two, penalties (though Goa should've had one of their own too).

It's a worrying trend for Zico. Opponents, who acknowledge Goa's attacking potential, are content to sit back and then wait for the right opportunities to come by (though Pune were adventurous in patches).Owing to injuries in a revamped FC Goa squad, a new-look team is taking longer to gel — which means Goa must learn how to eke out points on the tougher days or, at the very least, not throw points away.

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ISL 2016 Chennaiyin FC Suffer Defeat At Hands Of Delhi Dynamos

#ISL2016
#Indian #Soccer #League

#DelhiDynamos #FC began their #ISL2016 campaign in style with a comprehensive 3-1 win against #Defending #Champions #Chennaiyin #FC at the Marina Arena. The home team looked a pale shadow of the team that went toe to toe against #AtleticoDeKolkata four days ago.

First of all, Delhi manager Gianluca #Zambrotta sprung a surprise by dropping his marquee signing, Florent #Malouda, to the bench. Bruno Pelissari, the Chennaiyin player who moved to Delhi Dynamos this season was benched as well. This turned out to be a masterstroke as Chennaiyin had to face five in the midfield. The defending champions could barely string a few passes at will at the center of the park. This is indicated clearly when we see Raphael Augusto had 67 (highest) passes while the highest among the other five of his teammates was a mere 37 passes. The midfield battle was Delhi's for the taking.
Chennaiyin's defence set up for a kicking

Badara Badji of Delhi Dynamos celebrates scoring during an ISL match. Sportzpics

Bernard Mendy and John Arne Riise were caught out of position as the Delhi Dynamos' attacking players ran circles around them. A team that was touted to have the strongest defence, Chennaiyin have already conceded 5 goals in 2 games!

Delhi should have had 4 or 5 goals in the first half alone. They were denied as early as the 12th minute by the referee's assistant with a contentious offside call. Duwayne Kerr also didn't help matters making two costly errors - he was saved the blushes on the first one, thanks to Kean Lewis' heavy touch following his misplaced pass and the second was the penalty he conceded that led to the first goal. 

The centrebacks where caught ball watching as Richard Gadze split the defence to send Marcelo through for the second goal. And for the third goal again, Riise was too busy keeping up with the ball than with Badara Badji leaving young Jerry Lalrinzuala to handle him. Mehrajuddin Wadoo was the lone light of comfort within the chaos that was Chennaiyin's back four.

One of the biggest reasons John Stiven Mendoza flourished was because of the pace at which Chennaiyin could transition the ball up front. Raphael Augusto played a very important role in this aspect. He had the liberty to venture forward last season with either of Harmanjot Khabra or Manuele Blasi or Zakeer Mundampara providing the defence a screen. So far in the two matches that Chennaiyin have played, Augusto seems to be wasted in a deeper role and this has clearly affected the creativity from the midfield. Jeje's pass to send Dudu through for Chennaiyin's only goal was one of the flashes of brilliance which the forward had to create.

Chennaiyin, with just a point from two games, have a week before the next match to dwell on their mistakes. They should look to put on a much better performance for their beloved home crowd come next Thursday.

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Sunday 9 October 2016

ISL 2016: NEUnited FC Off To A Great Start This Season With Two Wins

#ISL2016
#IndianSoccerLeague
#Season3

#NorthEast #United #FC's Indian Super League (#ISL) season has got off to a dream start with two wins from two matches. After beating #Kerala #Blasters in the inaugural match of ISL 3, NorthEast United FC beat #FC #Goa for the first time on Tuesday, and the John Abraham-owned side is already looking a side to watch out for.


NEUFc 380

NorthEast were confident going into the match against Goa, with new coach Nelo Vinganda making one change to his starting XI from the opening day's victory. Nicolas Velez was on the bench and defensive midfielder Wellington Priori replaced him.

The coach's idea was to add more steel to the midfield, with more cover for the back four. The Highlanders chose to go with only one out-and-out striker in Emiliano Alfaro. The hero of the opening match, Katsumi Yusa, started the match on the right flank with Halicharan Narzary pushed on the left side.

Contrary to the rather dull opening game, this match got off to an exciting start with some brilliant end-to-end action. Yusa is proving to be a shrewd and excellent buy for the side and once again, he created brilliant opportunities for his team. He won an early free kick and earned his team the first sniff of goal in the 12th minute.

In the 20th minute, NorthEast got their lead in a rather bizarre fashion. Goa defender Lucio won an aerial duel with Alfaro and passed the ball back to goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani who took too many touches as he was being hounded by Alfaro.

Kattimani made a pass that hit the onrushing Alfaro's knee and got deflected into the goal. It was a howler by the Goa #Goalkeeper, who just had to pass the ball to one of his teammates, or just kick it long. Instead, he got pressurised and couldn't take the correct decision. NorthEast got their goal with some luck, but credit should go to Alfaro for keeping up the pressure on the Goa keeper. Goa knit some quick passes and tried to equalise, but when in the 62nd minute, Alfaro scored NorthEast's second goal, the Highlanders were ensured three points.

Starting the match without last season's top scorer Nico Velez, NorthEast still managed to score two goals and win, which is good news for the side, as it means the team would not have to rely on one player for goals. If they can have three or four players sharing the burden of getting the goals, they will find the task of crossing the league stage for the first time much easier.

What also helps is that 'Professor' Vingada has evidently tightened the screws at the back. In both the matches, NorthEast have defended obstinately. #Kerala were poor and didn't attack as much, but #Goa offered more in that department. Still the NorthEast defence managed to stand tall.

Subrata Paul is proving to be another great signing for the club. Considering the side already had the services of TP Rehnesh, it seemed odd that the management went ahead and signed another goalkeeper. Arjuna award winner Paul is massively experienced, and while his signing looked ideal for that reason, there were doubts if he would be able to perform as well as he used to when he was younger.

However, Paul has has brilliant, clearing doubts over his abiities. Ten minutes into the second half, he pulled off a blinder of a save when he thwarted a long-range effort from Trinidad Goncalves. Just a few moments later, he was brought into the act again and managed to save Mandar Rao Desai's shot from inside the box and Trinidad's follow-up as well.

With the 2-0 win, #NorthEast handed #FC #Goa what was just their fifth away loss in the history of the ISL. Granted, Kattimani's poor goalkeeping helped, but credit has to be given to NorthEast for their win.

Yusa and Paul have both shown their worth, but perhaps Vingada is the best signing for NorthEast. The coach's tactics, his managerial style and his transfer business cannot be understated. It's been a busy first week for the Highlanders, and their third match comes in just a couple of days' time. It will be their first away match as they face Mumbai City FC at the Andheri Sports Complex. It is already the best start for the side in the ISL, but if NorthEast can get another win, it will be an incredible start to the season, and their title prospects will brighten significantly.

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Wednesday 5 October 2016

ISL 2016: Mumbai City FC Beat FC Pune 1-0

#ISL2016

Having seen his side start its Indian Super League (#ISL) 2016 campaign with a 1-0 win over state rivals #Pune, #Mumbai City #FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes was cautiously optimistic about their prospects this season. A Matias Defederico goal in the 69th minute helped Mumbai defeat #FC Pune City at the latter's Balewadi Stadium home.

But Guimaraes stressed on the need to improve. "We didn't get enough possession of the ball, and it was only after 20-25 minutes that we found our game and the space for our players to perform. In #Defence, we have to be much more alert and not allow counter attacks. It is now a matter of recovery, rest, eating well and making adjustments. The practice we had in Dubai has shown. But we'll need to play well throughout the #Tournament. We would have to adjust fast," he said.

Though marquee player #Diego #Forlan had a quiet outing, Guimaraes wasn't too perturbed by Forlan's no show. "I think he did what we wanted him to do. He moved the way we wanted him to move. He played like a No 9. When he moves he creates distraction and that is a situation that we profit from. Other players will find him more game-by-game, and he will be able to show his ability," Guimaraes said.

The first Maharashtra derby of the season produced a fairly even match, however, and the team that took its first chance came up triumphant. Guimaraes also spoke of the number of issues that have plagued Mumbai since the start of the tournament. "The start of a tournament is always difficult, because we have to manage different situations in hours. Just 3-4 days ago, #Sony had to go to Haiti for national team duty, while we also have the situation with Bengaluru FC (Five players from Mumbai City FC are away with the I-League side on AFC Cup duty)," he lamented.

#Guimaraes heaped praise on his players, however. "In just five days, our players have shown tremendous ability through our work and have shown discipline. They understood the way we have to play against a very good team, a very well worked team. We had to be strong in our defensive organisation and with the players we have up front. It is a matter of time. We kept working and I think the result is a good start," he said.

Mumbai City FC players celebrating their side's goal against FC Pune City. Sportzpics
















The visitors were also handicapped by the non-availability of #Winger Jackichand Singh. The Manipuri international is the best Indian player in the Mumbai line-up after #Sunil #Chettri, and after appearing with the manager in the pre-match conference, was a shoe-in to play on the right wing. But according to the Costa Rican coach, Jackichand was "dealing with some leg problems" and didn't get enough practice with the team. "I decided to think about him as an energiser player from the bench. He is working hard and is doing well. The way this tournament works, everyone will have their opportunity."


Mumbai will now take on NorthEast United FC in their first home game of the season at the Andheri Sports Complex on 7 October.

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Wednesday 28 September 2016

ISL 2016 : Lloyd Electronics Are Official Sponsors For Chennaiyin FC

#Indian #Soccer #League
#ISL2016 Season 3

Chennaiyin FC will start its journey from 2nd October against

Defending champions #Chennaiyin #FC will start its journey from 2nd October against #AtleticoDeKolkata in Kolkata followed by its first home game on 6th October against #DelhiDynamos.

Chennaiyin FC has announced 'Lloyd' Electronics as its associate sponsor for the third season of the Indian Super League. The event took place at the Hotel Radisson Blue Chennai, which was marked by the presence of players like Manuele Blasi, Dhanpal Ganesh, Jayesh Rane, Macpherlin Dudu Omagbemi, Eder Montiero Fernandes and Jeje Lalpekhlua.

On being asked about pre-season training, Blasi said, "We are not focusing much on the technical aspects of the game and have only one thing in mind and that is to start fresh, not think of ourselves as #Champions".

Congratulating the team and wishing it well for the tournament, Director of Lloyd Nipun Singhal said, " We wish Chennaiyin FC all the luck and expect them to continue their unabated winning streak this year as well."

At the event, Vita Dani, co-owner of Chennaiyin FC also expressed her views saying, "We are delighted to have Lloyd on-board with us as one of our honorable associate sponsors. We are looking forward to a long and successful association".

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Tuesday 27 September 2016

ISL 2016 : All Teams Are Ready To Set The Ball Rolling

Indian Soccer League
#ISL2016

Probably one of the most awaited tournaments in the country, the Indian Super league is coming back for its third season which gets underway on October 1st, 2016. The kick-off begins with a face-off between North East United and Kerala Blasters in the opening match of the season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. 

The tournament, which is no less than a festival in the country infested with mad football fanatics, features the best footballer in the country along with some really heavy names from International football which also is the reason for the enormous amount of footfall in stadiums during the ISL season throughout the subcontinent.

ISL 2016

The first season of the tournament saw a Luis Garcia spearheaded Atletico de Kolkata grab the inaugural title while the second season was won by Chennaiyin FC courtesy stellar performances from a brilliant Steven Mendoza.

The ISL, in a statement, mentioned that all the marquee players "must be contracted under a legally binding player contract by August 20, 2016 in order to assist with the marketing of the relevant club, the league and the ISL." Barring a couple of clubs, all clubs have named their marquee players within the said date.

Uruguay football legend Diego Forlan and Northern Ireland veteran Aaron Hughes are the new  names in the list of marquee players for the upcoming season and will join the existing list of Marquee players for the ISL 2016 season.

Top Star Players For All Teams At #ISL2016:

Helder Postiga

Atletico de Kolkata- Helder Postiga
Kerala Blasters- Aaron Hughes
Mumbai City F.C- Diego Forlan
FC Goa- Lucio da Silva
Chennaiyin FC- John Arne Riise
FC Pune City- Eidur Gudjohnsen
Delhi Dynamos- Florent Malouda
Northeast United FC-  Didier Zokora

Head Coaches

Zico FC Goa

Atletico de Kolkata- Jose Molina
Kerala Blasters- Steve Coppell
Mumbai City F.C- Alexandre Henrique Borges GuimarĂ£es
FC Goa- Zico
Chennaiyin FC- Marco Materazzi
FC Pune City- Antonio Habas
Delhi Dynamos- Gianluca Zambrotta
Northeast United FC- Nelo Vingada
Club news Atletico De Kolkata

Come on India, #LetsFootball

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Thursday 22 September 2016

ISL 2016: Delhi Dynamos Gear Up And Sign Brazilian Emerson Gomes

#IndianSoccerLeague2016
#ISL2016

#DelhiDynamos #FC on Thursday signed #Brazilian midfielder #EmersonGomes de Moura for the upcoming third season of the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament.

The 28-year-old joins #Dynamos from Brazilian club #America #FC. He has joined the Dynamos squad in Sweden where they are undergoing their pre-season training. They will play three friendly matches in Sweden.


Representational image. AP

"It is a great opportunity for me to play in a fast growing league, and for that I would like to thank the Delhi Dynamos management for extending this offer to me. People talk a lot about #ISL back in #Brazil, as many big Brazilian players like #RobertoCarlos and others have featured in the previous two seasons. It is a new experience for me, and I am looking forward to this challenge." Moura said in the release.

Head coach #GianlucaZambrotta was pleased with the signing and feels the new acquisition adds to the strength of Delhi Dynamos's #Midfield this season.

"His addition to the side will strengthen the team's midfield. He has played for different clubs across Brazil and I believe the experience that he has gained over the years will be of immense help to the team." Zambrotta said.

"We welcome Gomes to the Delhi Dynamos F.C. family. He is our third Brazilian signing this year and we are really happy to have him on board with the Lions," the club's Chief Technical Officer Vishnu Madhu said.

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Friday 16 September 2016

ISL 2016: Teams Scramble As FC Goa Retain Lucio For ISL Season 3

#ISL2016

Panaji: World Cup and UEFA Champions League winning central defender #Lucimar #Ferreira da Silva aka #Lucio has been retained by #FC #Goa as the marquee player for the third edition of the Indian Super League starting 1st October 2016.

File picture of Lucio. Getty
File picture of Lucio. Getty Images

Consistency was the key for head coach #Zico, who decided to retain the spine of the team, which reached the finals of the second edition of the ISL. He has won the treble (Seria A, #UEFA #ChampionsLeague and #CoppaItalia) in 2010 under present Manchester United head coach #Jose #Mourinho after strong performances in the heart of the defence at #InterMilan

He also played for #Bayer #Leverkusen and German giants #Bayern #Munich prior to joining #Inter.
Along with his strong showing for his club, #Lucio was a mainstay in the Brazil national team with 105 appearances at the heart of the defence, scoring four goals in the process and helping Brazil win the 2002 World Cup, having played every minute of the competition.

He joined the ISL in 2015 when he signed for FC Goa to play under Zico. The coach had thrown the captain's armband to Lucio, primarily due to his wealth of experience playing football in Europe and South America.

Alongside Martinique powerhouse Gregory #Arnolin, Lucio was one of the main reasons for FC Goa's superb run to the finals of the ISL in 2015. His aerial prowess and ability to intercept were key attributes in making him one of the fittest marquee players of the second edition of the tournament.
He regularly stopped opposition attacks in their tracks and started attacking moves of his own for his side.

For the third edition of the ISL, Zico decided to keep faith in the 38-year-old player. Lucio will be looking to lead his team to the final once more in 2016 and go all the way this year in his second attempt at the title.

"I am very happy to sign for #FCGoa once again. We had a good tournament last year and I hope to make FC Goa champions this year. Consistency is the key for us and I am sure that we will do well once again this year under Zico's leadership. It is important to train hard and put in 100 per cent effort on the field in order to get maximum results. I hope to make the fans of Goa proud this year," he said.

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Wednesday 14 September 2016

ISL 2016 : Cricket Has Outpriced Itself. I Love My Football: John Abraham

#IndianSoccerLeague
#ISL2016

Actor-producer #JohnAbraham has been involved with a couple of carrying activities, together with marathons and soccer, for the past a number of years. He additionally owns an Indian tremendous League soccer team referred to as #NorthEastUnited #FC. However other actors are linked to distinct sports, he wants to focal point best on Indian football. He clarifies that he isn't taking a look at some other sports.

"Cricket, for starters, has outpriced itself. The game has reached a saturation factor [in India]. I am not aware of if any one should go there (purchase a cricket group). #Kabaddi is reasonably enjoyable, but I personally love #Football. Probably i will feel about it (purchasing an additional sports team) if a captivating deal comes up. but, at this time, it's all about #Soccer for me. I additionally are looking to aid improve the north-east states. i love that region," says John.

"I consider, a part of me belongs to the north-east. Love the individuals there. So, this is one purpose I actively wish to do loads of social work there through my soccer crew. It pains me to view the floods in Assam these days. It disturbed me to see the rhinos in Kaziranga [National Park] half-submerged in water, operating on the streets. It hurts me an awful lot to see that," says the actor.

John insists that via his soccer club, he's trying "to do as a whole lot as possible" to guide the individuals of Assam and other areas of north-east India. "I consider the one area that i would like to actively get involved in is #CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

#BTown's #Soccer frenzy
A few Bollywood stars are linked to a soccer league:
* #RanbirKapoor co-owns the #Mumbai football membership Mumbai #Metropolis #FC
* #AbhishekBachchan co-owns the Chennai soccer crew #Chennaiyin #FC, anyway a kabaddi team (Jaipur)
* The Pune membership #FC #PuneCity is co-owned by  #HrithikRoshan
* #VarunDhawan become the Brand ambassador of the club #FCGoa for the first two seasons
* Reportedly, #ShahRukhKhan is interested in purchasing a Kolkata-based franchise of the football tournament. He already co-owns a cricket group #KolkataKnightRiders.

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