Delhi take on Goa in final home match

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 26 2016 | 5:57 PM IST
Their last match loss halted the momentum of an impressive campaign a bit but Delhi Dynamos would look to reassert themselves as strong title contenders when they take on bottom-placed FC Goa in their final home game of the Indian Super League football here tomorrow.
Delhi are one of the most impressive sides in the ISL this season but with three matches left to be played, they are placed fourth with 17 points from 11 matches. A win tomorrow will put Delhi a foot on the play-offs.
For Goa, if they win tomorrow, they can mathematically still qualify for the semifinals. But, they have a remote chance now after their 1-2 loss against Atletico de Kolkata at home in their last match. They are now at the bottom of the eight-team league table with 11 points from 12 matches.
Delhi head coach Gianluca Zambrotta said that it would be foolish to be complacent against Goa in his side's quest for a semi-final berth.
"If we win this game then Delhi will be in a good position to qualify for play-offs. I am not getting into the mathematical calculations, just preparing for this match and trying to win. Like always, we will strive to win," said Zambrotta at the pre-match media interaction.
Delhi have been strong at home this season and are the only side not to lose a home game. They were winless at home in their first three matches but Zambrotta's side eventually gained momentum, winning two of their next three matches.
The clash against Goa tomorrow will be the last home game in the league stage for Delhi and Zambrotta knows his side must remain focused.
"At the moment, this is one of the most difficult games for us. It will be a mistake to think they (Goa) are last. That will be a bad attitude. The players must stay focused and determined," said Zambrotta.
The 2006 World Cup winner said he would take one game at a time, and that anything more than qualification for the play-offs would be a welcome bonus.
"My philosophy is to take one match at a time. Tomorrow, we have our last home game and we must play well for our fans. In all honesty, if we win against Goa, we will be in a much better position to make the playoffs, but I don't worry about how many points we are going to win or lose in a game. My job is to prepare the team in the best way possible.
"Our primary target is to qualify for the playoffs. If we finish on top (at the league stage), that will be an added bonus," said the 39-year-old.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 26 2016 | 5:57 PM IST

Next Story