FC Goa marquee player Robert Pirès greets the India under-19 captain before the kick-off.FC Goa routed the India under-19 team by a 4-0 margin in a friendly played at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco. This is FC Goa’s second win in as many games.In a fast paced first half FC Goa came out all guns blazing to take the lead via a Haroon Amiri goal in the 19th minute of play. The Hero Indian Super League side pushed on for a second but the India under-19 team held on and almost scored on the counter. With the first half coming to a close, Miguel Herlein scored with a cracker of a shot from 20 yards out to make it 2-0. The young boys from the India under-19 team came close on a number of occasions to opening their account but Jan Seda under the Goa bar held firm.Robert Pirès is harried by India under-19 players in the fast paced match.In the second half FC Goa scored two quick goals to make the issue safe. First, Gabriel Fernandes bulged the net and then Holicharan Nazary completed the tally. Said manager and chief coach Zico post the match, “This level of performance was expected after the commitment and daily training that the team has been putting in every day. The team now understand how I want them to play in terms of formation and performance. At the end of 90 minutes I’m happy with how the team played.” Speaking about Robert Pirès, he said, “Pirès’ presence on the field is important. He played well and assists the team. I’m satisfied with his performance and that of the team too.”Added co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar, “The team is shaping up well. They are jelling well and playing as a team. The players are committed and are playing with passion. This has been a fast-paced, entertaining match. I’m sure as the days go by, they will jell and play together even better.” In its first friendly match played some days ago, FC Goa beat Sesa Football Academy 3-0.FC Goa will play their first ISL match against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao, on October 15.
