Goa to host NorthEast in ISl

FC Goa chief coach Zico feels that his team will remain unaffected by the 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) in their last game as they prepare to tackle NorthEast United FC in a crucial Indian Super league (ISl) clash here on Wednesday.

FC Goa were flying high after defeating Mumbai City FC 7-0 at home, but suffered a huge set back in their last game when they lost to ATK, though the loss did not alter their position on the ISl points table drastically as they continue to occupy the second spot.

"Our victory against Mumbai City did not affect us as you see that we lost the next game against Kolkata. The loss against Kolkata will soon be forgotten. We must stay focused and carry on, although I must mention that the loss against Kolkata was largely due to their merit," Zico said at the pre-match media briefing here on Tuesday.

Even though FC Goa had defeated NorthEast United 3-1 in the away clash, Zico is aware he cannot relax at this juncture. "Every game is a must win now. All games are important," said Zico, indicating they cannot afford to lose any more in the competition now, as it would affect their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.

The former Brazil legend said he will have to look at the team in training to find out the availability of players with doubts over Gregory Arnolin, luciano Sabroza and Rafael Coelho, all of whom are injured.

NorthEast United, on other hand, have scripted a remarkable turnaround after starting the campaign with consecutive losses in the first three matches, but now find themselves in the running to qualify for the semifinals. Coach Cesar Farias said he always believed in his team and knew they would come good at some stage of the league phase.

"We played well in those three games and there was no reason for us to put our heads down. There were also eight players unavailable because of injuries at that time," explained Farias.

NorthEast United have 16 points in their bag from 11 matches and are placed among the top four at the moment. A win will embolden them especially since they play their last two matches at home against Delhi Dynamos (November 28) and FC Pune City (December 2).

"If you look at it with a cool head, a point should be good enough. A point will be good while three points will be excellent," said Farias.