AFC Cup: Time for knockout blow

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC’s future, now can shape Indian football’s history.
Paradoxical as it sounds, the I-League champions are 90 minutes, or perhaps a bit more, away from potentially becoming the first Indian club to enter the AFC Cup final.

That will be the proverbial carrot in front when they take on the mighty Johor Darul Ta’zim in the second leg of the AFC Cup semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Wednesday.

Following a one-all draw in the first leg in Malaysia, the Men in Blue go into the match with a slight advantage of having an away goal in their kitty. Having punched above their weight for a club so young, if Bengaluru get past their more seasoned and decorated rivals, it would not only be the crown jewel in their brief but glitzy history but a tangible goal for every Indian club as well as a ‘stand up and take notice’ moment about the potential of the ‘sleeping giants of football.’
Twice before, through Dempo SC and East Bengal, Indian clubs have been at this stage but neither were as well positioned as BFC are heading into the second leg.

Third time is a charm, goes the saying. While a nil-nil draw will suit the Indian side just fine, to rest on their laurels would be a dangerous game to play. A move that is quite unlikely, considering the philosophy of head coach Albert Roca.

Possession-based style of Roca
The former Barcelona assistant manager has just had little over two months to instil his possession-based style into the club but he has done remarkably well. While certainly not a finished product, a return of two draws and one win in three matches at the second tier continental competition, following a prolonged period of inaction, with just one goal conceded is quite an impressive show.

While their performances have been defensively strong, the Spanish coach will be hoping for a more clinical finishing against the defending champions with the onus falling on the shoulders of captain Sunil Chhetri and the hardworking, if slightly wayward, CK Vineeth to get the goals.

With his team selection favouring creative midfielders, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Alvaro Rubio will be tasked with the duties with support from the gifted but inconsistent Alwyn George on the right and Australian Cameron Watson as the connecting link.

Depleted, but tough Malay side
Despite the Malaysian side missing the services of Argentine duo Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Juan Martin Lucero in addition to Malaysian Amri Yahyah up front due to suspension, the presence of Safee Sali and Safiq Rahim will keep the Bengaluru defence on their toes.

The central pairing of Juan Gonzales and John Johnson, who should be in line for a starting berth after a small muscle injury, ahead of Amrinder Singh in goal has worked well for the club with the former integral in starting attack from the back with his passing range.

Meanwhile for the visitors, who have a horde of internationals in their squad, much will depend on the performance of Singapore midfielder Hariss Harun, who has been a key cog in JDT’s domestic dominance, while Brazilian Marcos Antonio and Mohammed Zafuan forming the defensive core.

The Mario Gomez-coached side had double the number of shots to BFC in the first leg and it will be interesting to see whether they employ a patient game or go all out from the first minute in search for the all important goal.

The expectation to reach the final that weighs on the Southern Tigers could very well add to their undoing. With the Men of Steel collectively appealing to the football fans across the country for support as they look for a history making result, a sell-out crowd is expected at the stadium who are sure to send the decibel levels soaring.

With stakes so high and margin of errors so small, it might just be the case of who blinks first.