FC Goa aware of Punjab threat despite doing the double in ISL

Panaji: FC Goa are looking sharp once again as they turn their focus on Punjab FC in the second quarterfinals of the Super Cup at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar, on Saturday, 8pm.
Manolo Marquez’s side is looking to get their hands on the last piece of silverware on offer after bowing out in the Indian Super League playoffs.
Goa made a strong start to their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win against I-League outfit Gokulam Kerala FC, thanks to a fine hat-trick from Spanish striker Iker Guarrotxena.
“Obliviously it is a difficult game. Every game is like a final. We are optimistic. Even in ISL we beat them twice but both games were equal,” Manolo said during the pre-match media interaction on Friday.
Punjab are no pushovers although they finished their season tenth in the top tier. They also secured a 3-0 victory against Odisha FC in the round of 16.
Manolo was present in the stands for that game and knows what to expect.
“Every team who is playing the Super Cup knows that we need to win four games to become champions. It will be tougher than the first game against Gokulam Kerala. Punjab has a good coach and players. They have young talented players, but it will be difficult for them too,” said Manolo.
Goa defender Nim Dorjee also had similar opinions on their opponents.
“We also played well in the last game. Every game is like a final. We will try our best to win. Because it is a knock out format, every game is important,” said Nim.
Goa has completed the double against Punjab in the ISL this season, but Manolo is wary of the threat in the knockout tournament.
“We took our chances against Odisha and converted them. Odisha created a lot of chances against us, which would be the most by any team against us in the season and I would like that to be not repeated against Goa,” said Punjab coach Panagiots Dilmperis.
Punjab missed a couple of key players in the first game but striker Luka Majcen is set to return to action along with Filip Mrzljak.
Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first quarterfinal at 4.30pm.