Delhi eye second victory

The Indian Super League has hit the halfway mark but Delhi Dynamos have flattered to deceive.

With solitary win to their credit, the Dynamos’ survival in the tournament is now a matter of worry.

Challenging them on Thursday will be FC Goa in the contest of bottom-placed outfits.  

Incidentally, Dynamos conjured their only win in their last home game, against FC Chennaiyin, one that had come after their two back-to-back draws.

Nothing, though, changed for them thereafter. The Delhi side currently is languishing in the penultimate seventh place with four draws, two losses and one win.

FC Goa, on the other hand, are at the bottom with four defeats, two draws and a win.

In fact, Goa’s lone win came against Dynamos, a 2-1 verdict, at their home ground.

Dynamos have struggled to notch up a single win on road, their last few outings including back-to-back defeats and a draw against Kerala Blasters.

Hope continues to abound for star player Alessandro Del Piero scoring his maiden ISL goal.

So far the 40 year-old Juventus star, at best, has impressed with some deft passing.

One of the contributing problems in Dynamos’ performances has been their poor finishing despite their attacking flair.

With players like Mads Junker, Del Piero and Morten Skoubo, they are capable of delivering better.

"Currently my target is to play with the team, not think of personal achievements. It is a difficult time for us. Nothing matters more than winning the game," said Del Piero, echoing the team's desperation for  win.

Anwar Ali and Wim Raymeakers have been reliable figures in the defense though in the last couple of outings they were beaten on few occasions.

Hans Mulder in the midfield has been impressive alongwith Pavel Elias and Gustavo Santos.

Dynamos have also benefitted from custodian Kristof Van Hout, the best in the tournament.

However, Dynamos coach Harm van Veldhoven, who was sent off against Kerala Blasters for protesting against Ishfaq Ahmed's reckless challenge on Shylo Malswamtluanga, will be relegated to the stands on Thursday.

FC Goa don’t lack in star power either with the presence of legendary Brazilian coach Zico and former Arsenal great Frenchman Robert Pires in their ranks.

The team has emerged one of the most attacking outfits in the tournaments but with an equally poor conversion rate.

Their fallibility against counterattacks has also pegged them back.

"We lost a couple of players to injury early in the tournament, that affected us. But I think in general we have played a good game. And we hope to play a good game of football tomorrow," said Zico.