Europe vs South America rivalry on Indian soil

The eternal battle for supremacy in international football is between Europe and South America, whether it is at the World Cup, the Club World Cup or coaching philosophies. This conflict is now being played out on Indian soil also, in the 2nd Hero Indian Super League. Finalists FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC are coached by a South American (Zico) and an European (Marco Matterazi), respectively.

Incidentally both have coached their respective franchises for two years. This has been an asset as it has helped in continuity. Both revamped their sides cleverly. Zico chose seven players from Brazil and six from Goa, which ensured massive crowd support and identification with his team. Besides goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, defenders Narayan Das and Debabrata Roy and midfielders Denson Devdas and Pronay Halder, have all played for Goan clubs. So Zico’s squad had a strong regional identification, similar to that of North East United.

Also his philosophy of attacking football and rotation of players clicked. Zico is the only coach who utilised all his players. In this way he overcame problems of injuries and suspensions as substitute players were always ready.

This was really evident in the second leg semi-final at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Trailing by a first-leg goal and with top-scorer Reinaldo injured, Zico made five changes in his playing XI.

This would have affected most teams but not FC Goa. The playing style remained the same, attacks from the flanks, quick through passes and constant inter-change of positions. The Indians, Romeo Fernandez, Mandar Rao Desai and Bikramjit Singh who came in for that match, gave inspired performances and slotted into their roles effortlessly. This is Zico’s success as a coach that he has created a squad of players who fit into his playing style. FC Goa were never dependent on just a few players.

It is also remarkable that Zico got the best out of the speedy and talented Romeo and Mandar. In both seasons in the ISL they have played better for FC Goa then they have played for their I-league team, Dempo or the national side.

Materazzi also retained the bulk of his squad from the last season. He made some clever additions to the Chennaiyin FC unit this year.

Burly goalkeeper Edel Bete on transfer from Atletico de Kolkata was a major success. He made several crucial saves in the vital second leg semi-final against his former club at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Chennaiyin FC had not one but two reliable goalkeepers as they also roped in talented Indian custodian Karanjit Singh. Another good buy was Ethiopian striker Fikru Lemesa.

With Frenchman Bernard Mendy rock solid in defence and the reliable Elano Blumer, who won the 2007 Copa America and 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup with Brazil, controlling the midfield, Chennaiyin FC are a very balanced squad. Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza, top scorer in the ISL so far with 11 goals and Jeje Lalpekhlua have created havoc upfront.

So the final is appropriately between FC Goa, who have scored the most goals — 32 in 16 matches so far — and Chennaiyin FC, who have ISL top-scorer Mendoza with 11 goals. Vociferous home crowd support could give FC Goa the advantage.