Indian Super League 2021-22 has given action-packed matches with encounters that have not been less than thrilling. One of the most action-packed matches was when Odisha FC played NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama, Goa. Odisha went out victorious with a narrow win with a score of 1-0, marching to the second number on the ISL chart. The brilliant header by Jonathan Cristian in the second half defined the game, otherwise tightly contested. Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC: A Game of Resilience and Missed Opportunities
The scoreboard would reflect 1-0, but the game was far from one-sided. NorthEast United FC dominated the first half with constant attacks and created many scoring opportunities, but poor finishing and robust defense by Odisha FC denied them those chances. The match did reflect resilience and tactical discipline as Odisha was able to withstand the onslaught of NEUFC and waited patiently for their chance.
The most notable target attempt for Odisha is their late header in the latter half of the game; nonetheless, the team showcased quite a persistence. Odisha seemed clueless throughout the whole past season and at several stages of this one also. So, this match again speaks about the growth it has seen since then, the form and the kind of tactical strength and solid organizational structure it has to stand as a defense force today.
A Look into First Half: NEUFC's Dominance Without Returns
NorthEast United started brightly to the game, putting pressure on Odisha FC high up to the pitch, and was forceful and aggressive in scoring early. With possession, they presented beautiful passing and coordination among forays. Khassa Camara and Mathias Coureur were brilliant midfielders who held up the ball often and went on the attack. Camara was handy as he orchestrated good plays and joined well with fine forwards, Rochharzela and VP Suhair.
Although they were on the dominant side, NEUFC could not find those finishing touches that could have seen them comfortably win the game.
The Highlanders were taking shot after shot in the first half, yet they could not convert them. By the end of the first half, NEUFC had a number of goal attempts, and any of them would have seen the game's direction change. Odisha, though, had a very robust defense, and the Hector Rodas and Victor Mongil duo showed plenty of poise and tenacity to clear some of the riskiest balls that NEUFC was trying to go for. Odisha FC Strategy in the second half: Patience and Precision
Now entering into the second half, the game showed that Odisha FC was actually changing up a little bit from its pattern set during the first half of the match. Defense-oriented during the first period of the match, more time was spent on the ball to develop chances by passing forward for a better attacking field within the second half of play, it then became even visible that Coach Kiko Ramirez was able to implement quite the relatively balanced game through Odisha FC through midfield support while going forward to strengthen their attack.
It resulted through a clinical header by the rehabilitating Jonathas Cristian, which came on when the team made the recall.
In this carefully thought out and planned match, Jonathas discovered the right time and a better moment to utilize fully his heap of crosses and beat the defense mechanism by heading into the net. The objective had been the result of careful patience and wise placement, and this was the turning point of the match. Jonathas being back in the side, and his impact proving vital, gave Odisha much-needed impetus, for they went on to gain the three points from the intense match. Odisha FC So Far This Season: The Team That Has Emerged from the Basement to among the Best
This was Odisha FC's third win for the season, a healthy start considering they finished bottom last season. The team, under the coaching of Kiko Ramirez, has turned upside down with serious emphasis on defensive solidity, effective counter-attacks, and going all out to score during opportunities. For the current season, it saw Odisha FC off the blocks with two successive wins that gave them plenty of momentum and confidence in the game.
But for them, it hasn't all been smooth sailing.
Their unbeaten run was put to an end when Kerala Blasters edged them 1-2, which perhaps woke them up. The coach Ramirez said that his team had a more complicated game than the previous ones since some players were not prepared at all because they sustained muscle injuries. Among those players is Jonathas Cristian whose status could not even be confirmed up to the last minute. About the condition of Jonathas, Ramirez said, "He is improving". He is coming for training. But we should wait till the last call to decide on him."Luck favours Odisha again, and Jonathas was fit, which ultimately got his timely goal that cleared the doubt of why was he selected in the lineup. NorthEast United FC: Season of ups and downs
NorthEast United FC has been struggling in this season. It is currently placed in the lower half of the table and has managed to get only four points from the five matches played. However, a glimpse of their potency was seen in the victory over FC Goa, which went 2-1 in the end. Here, Camara scored on the death knell and Rochharzela before him gave a glimpse of NEUFC's grit.
Federico Gallego's injury has been a massive miss for NEUFC since the very start. When their super player was away, they did miss having that creative spark from within midfield. He was to be expected to play that pivot role as it had been doing for NEUFC so far in the campaign. His absence has placed added pressures on players such as Camara and Coureur to lift the team and push for forward movements. Despite that, NEUFC continues to be a side that pulls surprises like in previous seasons. Predicted Starting XI and Key Players
For anyone who would be interested to know about the changes on the lineup, here were the possible starting XIs for the two teams:
Odisha FC Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Kamaljit Singh
Hendry Antonay and Hector Rodas, Victor Mongil, Lalruatthara-Defenders
Midfielders: Vinit Rai (Captain), Thoiba Singh
Forwards: Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Aridai Suarez, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Javier Hernandez
NorthEast United FC Starting XI:
Goalkeeper and Captain: Subhasish Roy Chowdhury
Defenders: Provat Lakra, Hernan Santana, Patrick Flottmann, Gurjinder Kumar
Midfielders: Sehnaj Singh, Khassa Camara, Mathias Coureur, Rochharzela
Forwards: Lalkhawpuimawia, V.P. Suhair
Both coaches have chosen different approaches based on their choice of strategy. Odisha has had a balanced strategy, whereas NEUFC has been relying on an attacking lineup where their midfield potential is maximized.
Key Takeaways and Match Insights
Odisha FC Resilience and Growth: Odisha FC won 1-0, signifying the fact that Odisha FC has tactically improved under coach Kiko Ramirez. Their resilience in withstanding NEUFC attacks and then taking the opportunity to score has improved their defense and strategic discipline.
This could have easily been won and sealed with some shots to put the ball into the basket. NorthEast United FC had a few good moments but were unable to slot their chances in. For another day, this proves to them that they do not get rid of this problem finishing on time as the game reaches its conclusion.
It may be noticed that the number of injury issues concerning these two teams is great as well. Odisha took a bit of pain into getting Jonathas from the very beginning when their win mattered most today, while NEUFC cannot get over the lost moment of Gallego till now.
Future Prospects and Future Games
Odisha FC's triumph has seen them reach the second position in the ISL standings and march towards becoming a title contender this season. On the other side, NorthEast United FC needs to reassess their finishing, regroup, and find means of getting points in the matches going forward to climb the ladder.
Odisha is going to face stiff opponents coming up in the way. The team may gain solidity in facing tougher foes when NEUFC discovers another or change of approaches that suit their play more differently from Gallego who had been the heart when his team was at that same position. The entire group could see stiffer battles ahead as all of them look for an improved run in the standings by the end of the series.