Astro turf not for professional football: Zico

Brazilian great and ISL franchise FC Goa's coach Zico Sunday blamed the Salt Lake stadium astro turf for injury to his defender Narayan Das and asserted that the artificial turf was not meant for professional football.

Zico, who has been critical of the turf earlier as well, made his displeasure known after his side were held to a goalless draw by home side Atletico de Kolkata during the first-leg semi-final of the Indian Super League.

"Astro turf is for us senior players to play and not for professional football. Narayan Das's injury was because of the turf. It seems like a knee twist and he may not be available for the rest of the games," a seemingly livid Zico said after the match.

Zico had to bring in Peter Carvalho to replace Das who was injured as early as 17th minute in the match.

Even as he admitted that the second leg will be a difficult game, Zico exuded confidence of winning it.

"Now that it is a stalemate, I think it will be a very difficult game. But two equal teams again going head to head will be a well fought match. Expecting a physical game, we are confident of winning and moving into the finals," he added.