Only one thought on my mind: Goa had to win, says Drazic

Panaji: Asked to compare his goals in the Indian Super League (ISL) to the one he scored against Al Seeb in the AFC Champions League Two qualifier, Dejan Drazic looked a bit puzzled at the post match media interaction on Wednesday night.
“Is this one special?,” he was asked.
FC Goa’s Serbian winger took time to respond. English isn’t his first language, but that’s not why he paused. “I scored just one (in the ISL), it's not a big deal,” Drazic replied.
On the evidence of his dazzling display against Al Seeb Club, the Oman league champions and AFC Cup winners, almost everyone took it for granted that goalscoring comes naturally to the winger who joined Goa last season. In 23 ISL games, Drazic had one goal and three assists, but his effectiveness on the left won him plenty of fans.
That list of admirers would have grown exponentially after he scored the opener against Al Seeb. It was well crafted. Drazic trapped Borja Herrera’s instinctive long ball, beat the onrushing goalkeeper with a delicate chip and then lobbed it home, to the delight of the home fans.
“The game was extremely difficult, but the team showed that it deserves to play in such competitions,” Drazic told TOI after being adjudged Man-of-the-Match. “There was only one thought in my head. We had to win, and there were so many reasons that I won’t go into the details. I want to thank our players and the fans for their great support. Goa, and Indian football, deserves such moments.”
Drazic’s delight at the end of the ACL Two qualifier was in contrast to the last game at Fatorda. It was the second leg of the ISL semifinal, one where Goa seemed to have done enough to take the match into extra-time after scoring twice, which included a 88th minute strike from Armando Sadiku. But then, that brain fade happened.

For those who have forgotten, it was Drazic’s pass to nowhere inside the box that allowed Namgyal Bhutia to pounce on the opportunity and cross for Sunil Chhetri to score the goal that took Bengaluru to the ISL final. Goa were stunned; Drazic, crestfallen.

“Mistakes are an integral part of sport, but it’s important that you realise those mistakes and accept responsibility. It hurts, but what matters is that you learn something from it, keep your head up and move on,” said Drazic.

When Drazic took the field against a strong Al Seeb side, that ‘error’ wasn’t on his mind. “I don’t think (of the past), maybe that’s one of my better qualities. I quickly focus on the next moment.’

Drazic put up such an impressive performance against Al Seeb that he was voted the most valuable player (MVP).

“I would say this was a completely correct game,” said Drazic. “I don't think it was my best, but let's say I spent a lot of energy defensively, and offensively I got a goal. I am satisfied.”

That’s putting it too mildly.




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