On Asian debut, FC Goa steps into history with a draw | Goa News – Times of India

MARGAO: Nobody really gave FC Goa a chance.
Making their debut in the AFC Champions League, Asian football’s top-tier club competition, Goa were dubbed the punching bag. Yet, they took everyone by surprise with a fighting goalless draw against Qatar giants Al Rayyan at the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda on Wednesday.
“If we had won, it would not be a scandal. But credit to FC Goa. They defended very well,” said Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc, winner of the 1998 World Cup with France.
Nobody had any doubt that the Qatar club was the better side. This is their 12th year in the Champions League, they have players who played for top European clubs and Blanc himself has had a great career with playing stints at Manchester United and Barcelona, besides guiding French giants PSG.
But Juan Ferrando’s boys from FC Goa, four of whom were making their debut in the top league only this season, ensured they are now unbeaten for a record 16 games, 15 of them in the ISL.
“One hour before the start of the match, everyone was excited in the dressing room. Their hearts were beating faster than ever before. I could see they were determined,” said Ferrando.
“This is only the first game. We still have five to go,” he said.