FC Goa’s Brazilian Striker Rafael Gives Team a Chance

PANJIM:
Brazilian striker Rafael Coelho believes FC Goa’s win over FC Pune City can be the catalyst that will win them a place in semi-finals of the Hero Indian Super League.
The Brazilian striker scored from a majestic first-half free-kick to give FC Goa a solitary goal victory over FC Pune City at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Balewadi-Pune, on Thursday and is now confident that they can continue with the same form in the second phase.
“Well, this win was very important. We needed to start the second phase of games with good results to keep the motivation high and the win did that for us. We have a very good and talented squad so if we keep performing like we did yesterday, I don’t see why we cannot make it to the semi-finals,” said Coelho.
FC Goa’s free-kick duties are normally reserved for specialists like Julio Cesar and Joffre Gonzalez but against Pune City, Coelho stepped-up and delivered much to the delight of FC Goa supporters. Surprisingly for someone who took the free-kick so accurately to beat champion goalkeeper Edel Bete, it was for the first time that the former Brazilian international scored directly from a free-kick.
“Actually this is the first time I’ve ever scored a goal directly from a free kick. I do a bit of practice on free-kicks and do try different methods to get the ball in the back of the net. I was aiming to make sure I put the ball on target yesterday and as close to the post as possible. It did feel amazing to have scored when the team needed it,” said the Brazilian.
The win lifted FC Goa out of the bottom for the first time. Last year’s finalists now have seven points from eight matches as they registered only their second win of the campaign.
FC Goa chief coach Zico has set a target of five victories from their seven matches in the second phase. With one already under their belt, there is growing confidence that they can turn the tables.
“The team is happy and very satisfied with the victory. This was a very important game for us against a very tough opposition. This gives us the motivation to go one step further in the next match. Our focus is now on the next match,” said Coelho.
FC Goa face Kerala Blasters in their next clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on November 8.