Brazilian flair on show

By Our Sports Reporter

KOLKATA, SEPT. 25. The Brazilian flair and artistry was on show at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday afternoon as Palmeiras-B overwhelmed the Indian opposition in Tata Football Academy (TFA), Jamshedpur. The TFA boys conceded four goals without a reply to let the visitor start its first overseas tour on a resounding note in the opening Group D pre-quarterfinal league match of the 107th IFA Shield football tournament.

In Group B, local giant Mohun Bagan proved too strong for the qualifier, Ever Ready, which failed to put up much of a resistance and surrendered 1-3 at the former's home ground. With each team required to play two matches in the three-team group league stage, the early wins thus helped both Palmeiras-B and Mohun Bagan brighten their quarterfinal chances.

The TFA boys, back from a recent trip to Germany, showed the temperament and ability to match their famed opponent. The stadium reverberated with applause as the Jamshedpur boys put up a strong reply each time Palmeiras attacked. While the Brazilians took time adjusting to the turf and the temperature at the venue, TFA exploited the advantage mounting attacks in quick succession.

Having done all the hard work in defence and midfield in synchronising the offensives, TFA showed the typical Indian flaw of poor finishing. Thus, the sight of easy opportunities being wasted in front of the Palmeiras goalmouth was repeated to the frustration and disdain of a moderate gathering in one of the biggest stadiums on the continent.

Among the admirers of TFA's valiant effort in the first session was also the Palmeiras coach, Humberto Ferreira, who was unsparing in his praise for the Indian boys. ``They (TFA) played a superb game,'' was what Ferreira had to offer in praise of the opponent after the match.

Palmeiras started assuming control over the proceedings by the fag end of the first session. The Brazilians put the first stamp of their authority in the 44th minute getting striker Hilton Moreira to score the opener. TFA defence, which showed a lot of coordination and tact in keeping the opposition outside the strike zone, made the mistake of allowing the Palmeiras right- winger Robson Barbosa too much of room on the flank, towards the end. Barbosa utilised the scope commendably as he cut in unchallenged from the right to send in a brilliant cross that was diverted home by Moreira.

Barbosa, switching over to the role of an attacker, found the second goal at the stroke of half-time. The versatile midfielder finished with a rasping left-footer from the top of the box and the ball swerved home giving the TFA custodian Manas Barua little time to effect a save. Palmeiras continued in the same vein after the change of ends.

Moreira scored his second goal and the team's third in the 49th minute after he was reached unmarked on the goalmouth by a corner from Barbosa. Claudio Celio, one of the centre-halves in the Palmeiras' five-man midfield, ended the scoring for his team volleying home a rebound after Prashant Jaggi had saved the first attempt by Andre Viapana.

In the other match, Mohun Bagan found all its frontline foreign recruits scoring one apiece to swamp the unfancied opponent in Ever Ready. Nigerian Sereiki Abdulatief opened the scoring for Bagan in the 9th minute. This was followed by a goal from the team's new African recruit Colly Barnes in the 18th minute. Star Brazilian striker Jose Barreto performed the last act scoring the last goal for the green-and-maroon brigade in the 44th minute.

With Mohun Bagan playing relaxed in the second session, Ever Ready pulled one back through Amit Das in the 57th minute. On Wednesday, Nam Dinh FC meets India Under-19 in Group C, while Tollygunge Agragami takes on Mohammedan Sporting in Group A.

Palmeiras-B striker Antonio Marcos (left) takes a shot at the goal even as TFA's Akbar Singh tries to tackle him in the 107th IFA Shield football tournament in Kolkata on Tuesday. Palmeiras won 4-0.

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