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Pune FC needs a win and nothing less against defending champions Salgaocar SC to make the semifinals of the 34th Federation Cup.
With 4 points in their kitty, Pune FC is second in Group-D behind the Goans (6 points), making this Monday afternoon encounter a group decider.
Set with individual tasks that neither team will want to let-go, Pune FC remains eager to push the opportunity they have. Coach Derrick Pereira says, “We are in the hunt for the semifinals and we are ready for the game.”
The coach, however, is wary of the pitch at the JRD Stadium, Jamshedpur. Heavy overnight rain and a Group XXX match Sunday leaves the game on-hand open.
“It can be anybody’s game going by the current condition,” adds the Coach.
However, on the positive side the Coach points out to the advantage his team earned from the last match against Prayag United SC at JRD Stadium. “It was good the match was shifted. The team got a feel of the pitch making us prepared for tomorrow,” explained Coach Derrick.
Salgaocar SC, meanwhile, returns to the JRD Stadium after moving out to Keenan Stadium for their second group game.
Both teams meet for the first time in the Federation Cup and until date locked horns seven times. Going by record, Pune FC has won five, including a Second Division I-League game and drawn one.
The Goans are no pushovers and boast of four foreigners. Strikers’ Sean Rooney and Angel Guirado started in a game each making it interesting to see who plays against Pune FC. The other two are attacking midfielder Quniton Jacobs and defender Luciano Sabrosa.
Incidentally, both Rooney and Angel played in the Salgaocar SC-Pune FC friendly in a pre-season friendly earlier this year in Goa, leaving Pune FC with a fair idea of what needs to be done.
Unbeaten so far, Pune FC has the players to credit for the feat. Coach says, “I must say the players have put in their best and played with a lot of heart, which makes all confident.”
Pune FC has a full squad at their disposal. However, the coach indicated of some changes to the line up.
Victory for Pune FC will also achieve a first-ever Fed Cup semifinal place. “Much will depend on attitude of players. They are a committed lot and have shown it in both matches. If they maintain it, particularly the way they played in the second half against Prayag, I am sure we can look up.”
With the opportunity to play for the semifinals, Pune FC has so far had their best group-stage run ever in a Federation Cup.
HEAD 2 HEAD (all Matches)
18/04/12 I-L Pune FC 2-0 Salgaocar
15/12/11 I-L Salgaocar 1-3 Pune FC
03/04/11 I-L Pune FC 0-1 Salgaocar
29/12/10 I-L Salgaocar 0-1 Pune FC
17/04/10 I-L Pune FC 1-1 Salgaocar
17/01/10 I-L Salgaocar 1-3 Pune FC
05/04/09 I2D Pune FC 1-0 Salgaocar
