Hyderabad FC came up with a vibrant performance, only to succumb to a frustrating 1-2 loss against FC Goa in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL), at the Tilak Maidan in Goa on Wednesday. The loss meant that Hyderabad stays in the eighth spot, while Goa has risen to the third place.
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As for the game, it was Aridane Santana's 58th-minute strike that put Hyderabad ahead. However, Goa bounced back in the game's closing stages, as Ishan Pandita and Igor Angulo's respective strikes in the 87th and 90th minute, respectively, allowed Goa to steal it away. At the same time, Goa goalkeeper, Mohammad Nawaz, came up with four saves to deny Hyderabad bounce back.
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Following the game, Hyderabad coach, Manolo Marquez, vented his frustrations, as he blamed the final substitution that led to its downfall. "If I am the owner, I sack the coach. I lost the game with the last sub. Team was controlling with 4-2-3-1 and the scoreline and we put 4-4-2, and we lost control. Team was not good and it was my fault. I am happy with attitude of my players, They had two shots on target and I am angry with myself. I won't put any excuse on the days between the games. I am happy with performance of my players," he said.
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"I agree. Maybe, it's the style of the team. We take risks with the ball because we don't have big strong players, except Joao. We lost the ball and they took advantage of our situation," he added, on being asked if the goals were conceded in transition.
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Meanwhile, Goa head coach, Juan Ferrando, expressed his delight, saying, "I am happy with the win, but it was difficult. I explained Hyderabad is very good team and they understand the concept of high press. In possession, it was difficult to find spaces but at the end scoring goals was important to get the win."
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Speaking on the subs, he reckoned, "At the end of first half, more or less the game was same. After their goal, it was necessary to change plans. 4-1-4-1 with two midfielders [Brandon and Noguera], the tactical changes worked. It didn't work against ATK Mohun Bagan. In building play, Hyderabad was intelligent. We find spaces with Seriton, but it was difficult. Our fullbacks need to improve more in these games. It was difficult to find space in our left area and was difficult for us to play against these teams."
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Goa striker, Ishan Pandita, too seemed happy with the result, as he said, "I couldn't have asked for something better. First touch, first goal. Lot of emotions. It's been 7-8 games and I haven't participated as much as I have liked to. Coach has a plan and it worked well today. There is a lot of competition for places. I am here to help the team. I am pushing Igor and he is pushing me as well. I was expressing myself with the celebration."
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So was Angulo, on ending the year with a win. "Important to finish the year this way with a win. We are in the top four now. We had to suffer to get there. Happy at the end of I hope it's a better year for everybody. It's important to be in the top four for us," he considered.
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