Jonathan de Jesus canceled out Iva Gonzalez's opener as Odisha FC and FC Goa played out a 1-1 draw in the ISL fixture on Friday.
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Odisha FC boss Kiko Ramirez felt that his team deserved to win the match after the 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the Indian super League (ISL) fixture at the Tilak maidan on Friday. The Gaurs took the lead shortly before the break, through Ivan Gonzalez. However, Odisha came out all guns blazing in the second half and equalized through Jonathan de Jesus. The first half was more of an end-to-end affair but after the break, Odisha looked more determined to get a result.
A hard-fought #OFCFCG match in ?!#HeroISL #LetsFootball | @OdishaFC @FCGoaOfficial pic.twitter.com/binlNgBqBq
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 24, 2021
Ramirez’s side could have taken all three points if not denied by the woodwork as they struck the post twice. When asked about Odisha’s performance, Ramirez said “ I am happy. The team deserves to win the match after the second half. There are some things that we cannot control. Somebody just explain, how it’s possible that they don’t whistle, it was a clear penalty. We understand that everybody can make a mistake, but it’s something that is so clear that we cannot understand. The penalty decision was harsh on us.”
After an impressive start to the season with thumping victories against Bengaluru FC and SC East Bengal, Odisha are now winless in three games. Although Ramirez’s side has been playing an exciting brand of football they are lacking consistency.Â
Ramierz added “ we are really happy with the performance of the team today, we thought that we deserved to win the match. We are still building the team, as we’re the youngest squad in the league. We need to follow the process, we are still making the players play together properly.”
Javi Hernandez has been Odisha’s top scorer this season with four goals, but the Spanish striker was brought off with more than 20 minutes of game remaining. The 51-year-old coach said about Javi’s substitution ” We need to take one foreigner out to put another foreigner in. And also the referees are not fair with Javi, he’s receiving so many kicks like the penalty and I also don’t understand what’s happening, it’s not fair against him.”
There is no change in the table for either side as Odisha is seventh with 10 points and Goa eighth with eight. Odisha will next take on Hyderabad FC on Tuesday while Goa will face ATK Mohun Bagan on Wednesday.
The Spanish tactician added “For us, no Christmas this year, we will be working for the next month. Our families couldn’t come because of the 15-day quarantine rule. So, we will focus on the work.”
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