BANGALORE: The burly Brazilian striker Ivan Fiel da Silva with the original Roooonaldo... looks struck the match-winner for Salgaocar, Goa in a Group B match.
His early second-half strike made it 2-1 and meant the end of local side BEML’s hopes in the Federation Cup qualifiers on Saturday.
Prakash had given BEML the lead within the first quarter of play off a Gopi pass. But the former champions restored parity on a wet turf due to unexpected but steady drizzle since morning as the former East Bengal and India forward Bijen Singh capped a fine solo run from about 30 yards with a firm left-footer.
Both teams played at a fast clip and goalmouth action was aplenty. The long-haired Rajan in the BEML goal and Macklas Moraes on the other side were kept busy but they brought off some timely saves to prevent the scorelines from changing.
Macklas in fact rescued Salgaocar twice early after resumption when BEML made concerted efforts with neat onetouch play. Gopi, Jotin Singh and Ghanaian Samuel Jackson combined well and the last named went clear of the defence.
He was a trifle late in reacting and Maclas rushed out to clear. Soon after, Macklas again palmed away a shot from Jotin after Prakash hod sent him free on the left.
Sensing their opponents’ mood and domination, Salgaocar got busy too with the midfield of Bongo Singh, Francis and Biju providing Ivan and Bijen with a stream of passes.
The Goans managed to push BEML back and kept the ball for brief but productive spells when they either had shots at goal or forced free-kicks.
BEML made the mistake of not playing deep in defence and tried to lay the offside trap in a tactic made popular by the onceglamorous ITI. But it backfired in the 59th minute. Anthony went wide on the right as Francis sent him down the flank.
The BEML defence waited for an offside decision but the flag rightly stayed down. Rajan rushed out but retreated. Anthony pulled his low cross back into the box and Ivan rushed in to deflect it in one swift action.
Ivan was again in the picture attempting a superb sidevolley that went wide off a Anthony cross.With an open goal in front after Francis had found him free, Ivan tried to chip the goalkeeper but the ball lobbed just over the bar.
BEML worked hard to exert pressure but with some nasty fouls on both sides, the game became a trifle physical with the yellow card barely staying longer in Tamil Nadu referee Thambiraj’s pocket.
He booked four BEML players and two from Salgaocar but failed to order off BEML’s Wilfred despite a violent foul on Eduardo the other Brazilian in the Goan ranks.
Salgaocar now meet SBT with the winners making it to the tournament proper.