Odisha FC to battle Brisbane Roar
PANAJI
FC Goa will clash with CSD Defensa y Justicia in the first semifinal, while Odisha FC will take on Brisbane Roar FC in the second semifinal of the 2nd edition of Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
FC Goa topped Group A unbeaten, with nine points from three matches. Their last fixture featured a narrow 2-1 win over Dempo SC. However, the winners of the inaugural edition of BBMT last season have been in fine form, thumping Sporting Clube de Goa 4-0 before clawing past the Australian side 1-0.
With head coach Manolo Marquez on duty with the national side, assistant coach Gourmangi Singh will take charge of the Gaurs, but he is confident of maintaining their winning momentum.
"CSD Defensa y Justicia have shown that they are a strong and resilient team. Their narrow loss to Odisha FC and victory over Chennaiyin FC highlight their ability to compete at a high level. They are a well-organised side with a solid defensive structure and quick transitions," stated Singh.
FC Goa have scored seven goals in three games with Armando Sadiku scoring three of them. FC Goa's Borja Goanzalez has scored two goals so far.
"We expect a tough challenge, as they have demonstrated both the quality and the tactical discipline to trouble any opponent. Their playing style is aggressive and direct, and we'll need to be at our best to counter their strengths and impose our game," He concluded.
However, playing against a physically domineering CSD Defensa y Justicia side will be no easy task. Win or lose, the Argentines have run roughshod over the other teams, picking up a red card for every two goals they have scored and a handful of cautions to boot.
"We have come a long way and qualified for the knockouts, and now we will try our best to win the semifinals and finals," stated Vergara Cruz, one of CDDyJ's star strikers.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar clinched the second position with six points followed by their 2-0 win over the Flaming Oranje on Friday, this sets them up with Odisha FC in the second semifinals, who have stayed unbeaten in the competition even defeating the Argentine side in the group stage.
Odisha are one of the most threatening teams in terms of attack. Coach Sergio Lobera's side has scored nine goals in three games, averaging three per game. Roy Krishna, isn't new to leading the goal scoring chart, and has scored three goals in the competition. They will be banking on him to fire against a very physical, imposing Brisbane Roar.
