The Hindu : Sport / Football : Goa keeps trophy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 18, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Football

Goa keeps trophy

Sports Correspondent

Madurai: Defending champion Goa extended its hold on the Dutta Roy Trophy, defeating host Tamil Nadu 2-0 in the final of the 17th edition of the youth National (under-21) football championship at the Race Course stadium here on Sunday.

Goa has played in the final seven times and won on five occasions, including today’s victory. For Tamil Nadu, this was the second entry in the final. Tamil Nadu finished runner-up in the 2005 edition also.

Goa’s victory was well-deserved. The side excelled in terms of skills and also in team work. It played the 4-3-3 plan to perfection.

Solid defence

The Goan defence, marshalled by Cedar Colaco was solid and goalkeeper Lakshmikanth Kattimani brought off some good saves.

On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, which reached the final with some superb performances, was not in the same form.

Goa began promisingly with a goal in the eighth minute. Agnelo Colaco took a corner kick and defender A. Ravichandran missed the chance to head the ball out. Adil Khan seized on the opportunity and shot home.

Unlucky

Luck too deserted Tamil Nadu. Its skipper Sabeeth received a pass from William and struck a powerful shot but the ball hit the crosspiece and rebounded. On another occasion, Fredy headed from point blank range off a lob from Pradeep but Goa’s goalkeeper Laxmikanth yet again brought off an excellent save.

Goa scored again in the 44th minute when Savio slotted in off a forward pass from Gabriel.

T.P.M. Mohideen Khan, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister, gave away the prizes.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport