Latest news with #Drazic
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Only one thought on my mind: Goa had to win, says Drazic
FC Goa's Dejan Drazic put up a Man-of-the-Match performance against Al-Seeb at Fatorda on Wednesday Panaji: Asked to compare his goals in the Indian Super League (ISL) to the one he scored against Al Seeb in the AFC Champions League Two qualifier, Dejan Drazic looked a bit puzzled at the post match media interaction on Wednesday night. 'Is this one special?,' he was asked. FC Goa 's Serbian winger took time to respond. English isn't his first language, but that's not why he paused. 'I scored just one (in the ISL), it's not a big deal,' Drazic replied. On the evidence of his dazzling display against Al Seeb Club, the Oman league champions and AFC Cup winners, almost everyone took it for granted that goalscoring comes naturally to the winger who joined Goa last season. In 23 ISL games, Drazic had one goal and three assists, but his effectiveness on the left won him plenty of fans. That list of admirers would have grown exponentially after he scored the opener against Al Seeb. It was well crafted. Drazic trapped Borja Herrera's instinctive long ball, beat the onrushing goalkeeper with a delicate chip and then lobbed it home, to the delight of the home fans. 'The game was extremely difficult, but the team showed that it deserves to play in such competitions,' Drazic told TOI after being adjudged Man-of-the-Match. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'There was only one thought in my head. We had to win, and there were so many reasons that I won't go into the details. I want to thank our players and the fans for their great support. Goa, and Indian football, deserves such moments.' Drazic's delight at the end of the ACL Two qualifier was in contrast to the last game at Fatorda. It was the second leg of the ISL semifinal, one where Goa seemed to have done enough to take the match into extra-time after scoring twice, which included a 88th minute strike from Armando Sadiku. But then, that brain fade happened. For those who have forgotten, it was Drazic's pass to nowhere inside the box that allowed Namgyal Bhutia to pounce on the opportunity and cross for Sunil Chhetri to score the goal that took Bengaluru to the ISL final. Goa were stunned; Drazic, crestfallen. 'Mistakes are an integral part of sport, but it's important that you realise those mistakes and accept responsibility. It hurts, but what matters is that you learn something from it, keep your head up and move on,' said Drazic. When Drazic took the field against a strong Al Seeb side, that 'error' wasn't on his mind. 'I don't think (of the past), maybe that's one of my better qualities. I quickly focus on the next moment.' Drazic put up such an impressive performance against Al Seeb that he was voted the most valuable player (MVP). 'I would say this was a completely correct game,' said Drazic. 'I don't think it was my best, but let's say I spent a lot of energy defensively, and offensively I got a goal. I am satisfied.' That's putting it too mildly. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Rare joy for Indian football as FC Goa sink Al Seeb of Oman to enter AFC Champions League 2 group stage
Amid despair, Indian football fans had reason to cheer on Wednesday as FC Goa defeated Oman's Al Seeb Club in the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round. Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa gave Indian fans a moment to savour amid despair as they qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage on Wednesday. Indian football is facing some tough times with uncertainty hovering over the upcoming season of the ISL side. The matter could soon reach the Supreme Court. However, the Indian football fans were given a reason to cheer by FC Goa on Wednesday as they defeated Oman's Al Seeb Club in the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How FC Goa defeated Oman's Al Seeb Club Dejan Drazic (24') opened the scoring with a sublime chip before Javier Siverio (52') doubled the advantage for Goa. Al Seeb, the 2022 AFC Cup champions, threatened a comeback when Nasser Al-Rawahi (60') pulled one back, but the Gaurs held firm. FC Goa thus join fellow ISL team Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the continental tournament's group stage. The Mariners had secured a direct berth by clinching the 2024-25 Indian Super League Shield. More from Football Al Seeb began on the front foot, forcing early defensive heroics from Pol Moreno in just the second minute, while Zahir Al Aghbari's close-range effort was blocked. The home side took time to settle and could have broken the deadlock in the ninth minute when Drazic broke free on the left but with only the keeper to beat, the midfielder's soft shot was easily collected by Ahmed Al Rawahi. Al Rawahi was in the thick of things again for Al Seeb in the 23rd minute when his timely tackle opened up space to set up Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali, whose curling effort was parried away by FC Goa keeper Hrithik Tiwari. But FC Goa found the net a minute later as Borja Herrera's pinpoint long pass found Drazic on the left, with the midfielder evading Al Rawahi's challenge before delicately chipping the ball over Ahmed Al Khamisi and into the back of the net. The Indian Super League side stayed on top of things in the second half with Drazic outmuscling the Al Seeb defenders to surge into the box before forcing Al Rawahi to palm away his stinging shot in the 52nd minute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The momentum saw FC Goa extend their lead moments later when Herrera's cross off a corner floated into the box perfectly for Siverio to rise above Al Rawahi for a headed finish. Al Seeb reduced the deficit at the hour mark through Nasser Al Rawahi's strike from close range off Ali Al Busaidi's cutback but that was to be it as FC Goa booked their spot in the Group Stage. They will now wait to discover their Group Stage opponents on Friday. With agency inputs
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Silver lining for Indian football amid dark clouds as FC Goa qualify for ACL2
FC Goa striker Javier Siverio (right) and Al-Saeeb's Arshad Said battle for the ball at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday Margao: It was nervy, at times difficult to watch, and the six added minutes had everyone on the edge of their seats. But in the end, FC Goa survived, quite literally. Given the uncertainty surrounding this season, there were dark clouds over the future of the club. Goa though ensured they have competitive football to look forward to, from Sept to May, as they put it across Al Seeb Club 2-1 to qualify for the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two. Goals from Man-of-the-Match Dejan Drazic (25th) and Javier Siverio (52nd) gave Goa a 2-0 advantage inside the first hour. But the Oman Professional League champions fought their way back with a goal from Nasser Sultan Alrawahi (60th). The AFC Cup winners from 2022 were the dominant side from start to finish and came close to equalising on several occasions, only for the hosts to protect the lead like their lives depended on it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dog Raises 3 Tiger Cubs - Years Later Zookeeper Bursts Into Tears When Tiger Does The Unexpected Undo Goa now join ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second-tier Asian club competition. It will be the first time two Indian teams will be in the group stage of the 32-team tournament that offers over $16m in prize money with both Indian teams now being assured of $300,000 each. Playing at home, Goa had some advantages. They knew the ground conditions here, weather suited them -- even if it was overcast all through -- and had fans to back them. But with Al Seeb enjoying a large share of the ball and constantly attacking, the home crowd had little to cheer in the opening minutes. There was excitement when Drazic had the ball at his feet. The Serbian winger excelled on the left with his quick movement, and, true to form, gave Goa the lead at a time when nobody expected. It was the 25th minute and Al Seeb were distracted in the opposite half, appealing a handball. The referee saw nothing wrong, a decision that allowed Borja Herrera to do what he does best: play an instinctive long ball forward for his teammate, over the defence. Drazic brilliantly evaded goalkeeper Faraj Al Rawahi's challenge before delicately chipping the ball over Ahmed Al Khamisi, and into the back of the net. It was just the start that Goa wanted. Pushed on the back foot, without the ball, and with Al Seeb pressing at every opportunity, the hosts were forced to play a style they were not accustomed to. Against a quality opposition like the champions from Oman, it's not exactly the best strategy and they almost paid a price closer to the end of the first session. Al Seeb's attempt to cross in the 43rd minute brushed Drazic's hand, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Amid protests from Goa players, the decision was overturned, after the referee consulted his assistant. It was a lucky escape. In the second half, the momentum saw Goa extend their lead when Borja's cross off a short corner floated into the box perfectly for Siverio to rise above the goalkeeper for a poacher's finish. Two goals ahead with half an hour left to be played was never going to be easy for Goa. Al Seeb attacked in numbers; Zahir Sulaiman Al Aghbari, Ali Sulaiman Al-Busaidi and Salaah Al Yahyaei were so methodical with their passing that hardly anyone noticed when they created the chance for Alrawahi to toe home. For the next half an hour, Goa defended, with Sandesh Jhingan and Pol Moreno, at the heart of every action. There were chances to kill the game with Siverio and Brison Fernandes going close from inside the box. But in the end, that hardly mattered. Goa won, and made it to the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two, providing a rare moment of joy to a sport that's riddled here with troubles like never before.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
FC Goa show will and skill to qualify for ACL2
Kolkata: In the worst of times for football in India, trust the players to provide succour. The women have earned seats at the high table of Asian football. On Thursday, FC Goa followed them, beating Al-Seeb of Oman 2-1 in an Asian Champions League Two qualifier. They will join Mohun Bagan Super Giant and it will be the first time two Indian clubs will be in the main round of Asia's new tier two competition. FC Goa's Sandesh Jhingan in action against Al-Seeb on Wednesday. (Nikhil Patil/AFC) 'We had to grind it out but we are going to the Asian Champions League Two and I am excited,' said Sandesh Jhingan in a flash interview to official broadcaster Khel Now TV. Dejan Drazic and Borja Herrera were first among equals in a performance that combined heart with tactical nous against a team that started with nine players from the Oman national side. On a heavy pitch, Drazic put Goa ahead in the 24th minute with a lob that melded chutzpah and composure. It came against the run of play after Herrera's long pass beat Al-Seeb's high line. Javier Siverio made it 2-0 in the 53rd following a spell of domination but once Al-Seeb scored through Nasser Sultan Al-Rawahi in the 61st, FC Goa effectively deployed a low block and delaying tactics to defend for nearly 36 minutes, including seven minutes of second-half stoppage time. They could also have scored in the 81st but on the turn, Siverio shot out. It was Herrera's industry, taking on players, turning inside and finding Siverio with a pin-point pass that had led to the move. Drazic's tendency to mar a good evening by brain fade nearly hit FC Goa again. It was his pass to nowhere that had given Bengaluru FC a goal and a berth in the 2024-25 ISL final. Against Al-Seeb, Drazic's 43rd minute hand ball had Chinese referee Zhang Lei awarding a penalty which he changed to a free-kick after consulting his assistant who felt the connection had happened outside the area though replays suggested otherwise. Al-Seeb attacked full backs Aakash Sangwan and Boris Singh through Zahir Sulaiman, underlapping left-back Ali Al-Busaidi and midfielder Salaah Al Yahyaei but missing was the final ball. Of the kind Herrera found, first for Drazic, who put in a tremendous shift, and then for Siverio with the outside of his boot. Siverio connected with a header after goalie Ahmed Al-Rawahi left his line and failed to collect. The goal came following a corner-kick won by Drazic driving inside from the left. 'They are a fantastic side but we were also dangerous when we arrived (in the box),' said FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez savouring the win after a difficult few months as India coach.
