The early morning of 21st December saw not the end of the world like some predicted but it saw yet another match of the United Goans Club Soccer tournament 2012 sponsored by Al Mulla Exchange.
The results of these matches may not have been predicted by the Mayans but it was just as exciting with the clouds pouring away. Nothing could dampen the spirits of the players taking the field not the ominous skies, the pouring rains and not even the talk of the end of the world.
Players of the Real Betalbatim F.C. and C.R.C. Chinchinim began the day with both teams rearing to battle out the storm and the game. Denzil Jodhav scored within minutes of the game givning Real a head start. The celebrations of that goal had not even worn off when Bradley Ragtao scored a well placed goal bringing the score to a 2-0 lead for the Real Betalbatim. It seemed to be raining goals for the Real Betalbatim as minutes after the last goal; John Ferrao scored yet another goal. But 3 Goals at this point apparently weren’t enough as Denzil Jodhav scored his second goal of the day bringing the Real’s score to a 4-0 lead at the end of the first half. Sealing their win with another goal by Ruzario Fernandes, the Real players ended the game with a 5-0 win over Chinchinim.
The Second match between the Indian Strikers and DHL was played well by both teams as they both evaded goals up until the last minute of the first half when Vico D’souza of DHL scored just as the halftime was called. This put DHL in the lead lifting the morale of the DHL players.
ADLEY DLIMA.
As the halftime buzzer sounded again signaling the beginning of the second half the DHL players seemed to be in the spirit of winning as Binoj Cheruvatur a second goal for DHL increasing the pressure on the Strikers. Binoj Cheruvatur surprised the DHL fans when he scored another goal from the center line with a perfect long shot, a beautiful sight for all those were present. The game ended with DHL moving ahead with a 3-0 victory.
The last match of the day was between The Goa Maroons and United Goans and what a match it was. United Goans had more possession of the ball but both sides fought long and hard to protect their goal and possibly score against their opponent. The score remained nil even through extra time and the game was finally decided by a tie breaker and the Goa Maroons walked away victorious after a 7-6 win in penalties.
The match schedule for 28th December 2012 is as follows;
1) Kuwait Goan Association vs. FC Sparks at 6:45am
2) Real Betalbatim vs. Malabar United at 8:15 am
3) Skynet Raiders vs. Curtorcares United at 10:00 am
ADLEY DLIMA.
