It seems the Quarter-Finals of the Super Cup have flown by as the last game in this round will be played on Friday. The game is set up to be a tasty affair as ISL finalists, and my champions, Bengaluru take on I-League runners-up Neroca. Bengaluru haven’t had a lot of time to rest and prepare for this match as they just played New Radiant in the AFC Cup on Tuesday, which they won 1-0. Will this affect their performance in the Super Cup, well carry on reading and you’ll find out.
Previous Round…
To be perfectly honest with you lot, I’ve enjoyed not reading through the same boring stats and actually bring you a little match report in this section. Hell, I might even get rid of the old stats section for good.
Anyway, back to the Super Cup and specifically Bengaluru, who are the hosts for this Quarter-Final game. Bengaluru faced I-League side Gokulam in the previous round and many people felt Bengaluru would win the game quite comfortably, however, they made it quite difficult for themselves. Bengaluru dominated the proceedings in the first half, however, it was Gokulam who took the lead thanks to a Kisekka goal on thirty-three minutes. However, Bengaluru got an equaliser on seventy minutes through their striker Miku and then scored the winner with the last kick of the game thanks to Udanta, who may be the most underrated player in the ISL.
Now onto the I-League’s representatives Neroca. Neroca caused quite an upset when they managed to see off David James’ ISL side Kerala Blasters. Kerala enjoyed a great start to the game when they were awarded a penalty on eleven minutes, Pulga converted the penalty. Karuthadathkuni, I know what a name, gave Kerala their second goal on forty-nine minutes and the game looked like it had finished. However, Neroca staged an unbelievable comeback which started on seventy minutes when Junior scored. Aryn Williams scored the second on seventy-nine minutes and then Felix converted from the penalty spot on eighty-two minutes to win the game and shock everyone.
The Game Itself…
Once again, I must state that I have no idea on how Neroca play their football and feel that I am in no position to try and comment on their style of play. I have been watching the Quarter-Final games so far so I now have some knowledge of the I-League teams who have progressed.
However, I know Bengaluru all too well and so I can comment on how they will impact the game. Bengaluru love to dominate the game, especially with their attacking play. They seem to be very similar to Goa, however, they do care about the defensive side of the game.
Key Player…
Once again, I have to state I have no clue when it comes to the I-League, however it is much easier to identify key players in a side, thanks to all the stats that are tracked in modern day football. After researching for a little bit, I do have a name that comes up when you are talking about Neroca. This name is Chidi, he managed to finish Neroca’s top goalscorer last season and will obviously want to start scoring in this competition.
Going onto Bengaluru and they have some fantastic stars on their roster. Udanta Singh comes to mind when thinking of Bengaluru and I feel he doesn’t get the attention and respect he deserves thanks to some of his teammates. One of these teammates is Spanish striker Miku who is the perfect striker for Bengaluru’s system as he partners perfectly with my Key Player Sunil Chhetri. It was quite obvious that the GOAT of Indian football would be my pick and I don’t think any words I say will do this man any justice.
Finally…
With all this being said, I will simply leave you with this. Neroca could upset Bengaluru in this game as they are a good side, however, Bengaluru are a great side. Will the AFC Cup game affect their play? I don’t think so and I will go for a 3-1 win for Bengaluru, Chhetri and Udanta will get the goals, with Chhetri getting a brace.
