FC Goa became the fourth and last team to qualify for the semi-finals of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 after a 0-0 draw with Hyderabad FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Sunday’s first game. Hyderabad FC went into the match needing a win to make the semis, but FC Goa ensured that they kept a clean sheet to earn a crucial point that cemented a top-four league stage finish for the Gaurs.   

• Both teams failed to break the deadlock in the first half.
• Ivan Gonzalez made a crucial interception in stoppage time to deny Hyderabad FC a goal and seal the fourth spot for the Gaurs.

Neither side managed to create anything of note in the first half as the defenders were on top and looked solid while dealing with any sort of danger that came their way. FC Goa enjoyed more possession, but Hyderabad FC were territorially superior.

Manuel Marquez’s men spent a lot of time in FC Goa’s half without getting in behind the Gaurs’ backline. They could have also capitalised from a few set-pieces, but FC Goa held firm and averted any danger that came into the box as the teams went into the break with the game goalless.

FC Goa came out for the second half looking more positive. Creating clear-cut chances though were still difficult to come by as both sides struggled to produce their best in the opposition final-third.

Hyderabad FC upped the ante in search of a goal as the match entered its last 15 minutes of regulation time. They spent a lot of time camped near FC Goa’s box but the Gaurs managed to get bodies behind the ball and defend resolutely.

Hyderabad FC had a huge chance of taking the lead in the 85th minute when a Joao Victor ball into the box was just beyond the reach of Joel Chianese and substitute Liston Colaco, both of whom were desperately trying to get on the end of the cross.

FC Goa went up the other end and saw substitute Devendra Murgaokar charge with the ball from the left into the box and cut onto his right foot before failing to hit the target with his shot. James Donachie then headed an FC Goa corner marginally above the crossbar in the last minute of regulation time.

Hyderabad FC also had a golden opportunity to win the match in injury time when Gaurs custodian Dheeraj Singh could only parry substitute Roland Alberg’s shot into a dangerous area in the six-yard box. Colaco looked like he was about to put the rebound into an empty net, however, Ivan Gonzalez made a crucial interception to deny Hyderabad FC.

Adil Khan also had a nervy moment towards the end of the match as he almost headed the ball into his own net. However, Dheeraj rescued Adil by tipping the ball over the crossbar for corner as FC Goa held on for a draw that secured their spot in the semi-finals. Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC have already qualified for the semis.

Now FC Goa wait for the result from the ATK Mohun Bagan-Mumbai City FC game to know who they will be playing in the semis.

Hero of the Match – Adil Khan

Playing against his former side, Adil Khan had a solid display at the back for FC Goa. He stood firm against everything that Hyderabad FC could throw at the Gaurs and made a successful interception, a block, two successful tackles as well as seven clearances.

Other Match Awards:

Club Award – FC Goa and Hyderabad FC

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Edu Bedia (FC Goa)

Watch the Match Highlights here: