Dempo SC surprises FC Kochin

By S.R. Suryanarayan

CHENNAI, AUG. 18. Reputation took a beating as Dempo SC Goa after that tentative start on the opening day, shifted gears in time to shock FC Kochin 1-0 and march into the quarterfinal of the Federation Cup football tournament at the floodlit Nehru stadium on Saturday.

What one win can do to the team's morale was amply demonstrated by the Goan team, which had edged BSF earlier through a golden goal. Such was the inspiration in the side that a player like Levy Coelho, who had spent the better part of his stay here till date in a hospital for his kidney-stone problem, joined the action late in the contest and was distinctly unlucky not to enter the scorers list. The man's gumption had to be admired no matter that he missed a goal. But he had set the tone for Dempo to tear the Kochin defence into tatters. The result - confused goalkeeper Shibu Shanmugam let substitute Sukdev Arwade to head the ball home (79th mt) even as he was trying to grasp it.

The NFL team, FC Kochin looked lot diluted in strength, not surprising for among others it had lost both I.M. Vijayan and Jo Paul Anchery in the transfers. That there is much that is left wanting in the team was proved by the ease with which Dempo kept driving holes into its defence. Despite some capable players from SBT to help it now, FC Kochin was unable to suppress the enthusiasm of Dempo, which had the upperhand most times and certainly towards the final stages when nothing went right for the Kerala club.

Play actually gained pace in the second session after none too eventful first half and for once the paying public had occasions to raise cheers. In particular the entry of Arwade and Levy later gave the due to all the good work of veteran Mario Soares in the midfield. But first Dempo had to withstand some shocking lapses.

First it was the Manipurian Ramrueta who messed up an open chance then Levy had the mortification of seeing his angled push past the goalkeeper miss the cage by inches. But Dempo was third time lucky and for his tireless runs and repeated attempts to drive scare into the FC end, Arwade richly deserved the goal.

Harvinder (jr.) to JCT's rescue

The Punjabis love to play tough with forthright tackles snap shots and robust runs. Well it still took JCT Phagwara, the premier club from that state the fifth minute of extra time to put their plan to perfection. Newcomer Harvinder Singh (jr) nailing in the `golden goal' for the 1-0 win over Vasco SC Goa in a pre-quarter final match.

Vasco's strongest point was its goalkeeper, Rorgerio Ramos. The Brazilian was unshakable for the full regulation time despite being tested at frequent intervals. With half of the side replaced with new recruits, Vasco is still to fall into the right groove, something that had helped it earn the fifth place status in the last National football league. ``Our entire midfield is filled with newcomers,'' said Dereck Pereira, a former player and now coach of the team. With no match practice after the transfers Vasco found it difficult to fall into competitive trim.

Truth to tell the Goan team failed to inspire. More so in the face of the bustling tactics by JCT players. Jaswinder in particular shone with his turn of speed. Quite early itself the Punjab players signalled what they are most capable - to essay shots, no matter accuracy sometimes was sacrificed. Naturally then Ramos was busy baulking shots from close and far but being calm and collected proved his biggest asset. Barring a Khogen Singh long ranger and midway, Peter Rodrigues's attempted back- volley, Vasco did little of note, except trying to intercept the rival moves.

JCT aggressive intentions rose further after change of ends. The way Sukhjit Singh charged in with Ramos in front, a goal seemed imminent but for a change it was the striker who was confused as he patted the ball back to the goalkeeper as if in a practice session. That was a miserable miss.

Then late in the session, Jaswant chipped a cross from far corner, substitute Jagjit Randhawa was brilliant in trying an open-heeled deflected only the ball flew higher than expected. Even Ramos looked concerned at the split-second attempt.

Much later Jagjit, despite Agnel Colaco and Seby Dias trying to bottle him up, gallantly moved into close range but as luck would have it, lost control when he needed it most.

Just about the only moment JCT goalkeeper Arvind Kumar had to worry was late in the contest when for once Vasco attack grew in strength and Naresh Mann's cross was juicy for exploitation. Agnelo Gomes and substitute Shanta Singh essayed separate headers but nothing dramatic happened.

Into the extra time meandered the contest and in a jiffy came JCT's breakthrough, Jaswant crossing from near and Harvinder Singh's leg moving faster than Ramos' grasp. The ball eluded Ramos and it was curtains for Vasco.

Sunday: Tollygunge Agragami v HAL (4.15 p.m.); East Bengal v Sporting Club de Goa (6.30p.m.)

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : A devil before Kapil
Next     : Injured Vijayan pulls out