CHENNAI: If history is a deterrent, Goa could have already lost their Santosh Trophy final on Sunday to Bengal. For, five out of Bengal’s 29 titles have been at Goa’s expense, including four on the trot from 1996 to 1999.
Conversely, Goa have never surpass ed Bengal in a Santosh Trophy final, though they shared the 1983 edition in Kolkata.
But the variables have varied over the last decade. Bengal are still pursuing their 30th title after they plonked Goa 5-0, incidentally at the same stadium and the same venue in 1999. Goa, on the oth er, buck led the 2006 edition in Kochi.
And many of the players in the 2006 squad such as Climax Lawrence, Felix D’So uza and Mahesh Gawli are still in the squad. Experience-wise Goa ha ve a decisive edge.
All the same, the young Bengal seem extraordinarily ordinary, especially compared to some of their mercurial sides of the yore. But they ooze exuberance.
Young strikers such as Gouranga Biswas and Lalam Puiya add sharpness and fluency to their forays while Surojit Bose has been a busy provider and innovator in the midfield. Karthik Kisku and Denson Devdas have rendered Bose ample support as well.
An untimely injury to skipper Habibur Rehman Mondal, who is unlikely to start, would weaken their defence.
Though Bengal reaching the final was unexpected, coach Raghu Nandi reck ons his side have the gumption to land Bengal their landmark title. “Th at none of th em have been in a Santosh Trophy final only spurs them further. They are motivated and eager to give their best shot. Goa are to u gh competitors, but we are upbeat of toppling them,” he beamed. But it is easier said than done. Though hindered by injuries to Joaquim Abranc hes, Fredy Mascarenhas and Branco Cardozo, Goa are a formidable unit.