Agencies
New Delhi, October 29
Delhi Dynamos and NorthEast United shared the spoils in an entertaining draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.
The game certainly had its top moments as NorthEast had a couple of appeals for penalties turned down while Mads Junker saw his effort crash off the post. The home side made just one change with Adil Khan coming into the starting lineup in place of Naoba Singh. On the other hand, NorthEast United started the game without captain Joan Capdevila, Koke, Isaac Chansa and Alexander Tzorvas due to injury concerns. James Keene, Tomas Josl and Massamaba Sambou were the three new faces into the first eleven from the last game.
It was the visiting side that started brighter of the two teams with Keene in particular, being a thorn for the opposition rearguard but he failed to Kristof Van Hout. Van Veldhoven’s side preferred to sit back and hit on the counter.
Despite seeing less of the ball, it was Dynamos who carved the best opportunity in the first half when Del Piero’s attempt from outside the box missed the target by inches.
In the 18th minute, Del Piero tried to curl one into the top corner from the edge of the box and came close to opening the score once again.
NorthEast built their play from the flanks with Robin Gurung and Josl combining well. However, the end product was disappointing on most occasions.
There was a moment of controversy when Josl was allegedly brought down inside the box by Khan but the referee chose to book the NorthEast United player for simulation.
That didn’t deter Josl’s spirit as in the 44th minute, the Czech player saw his left footed effort from range dip and curl only to end up on the right side of the post with Van Hout being rooted to his spot.
Ricki Herbert’s half-time team talk looked to have worked wonders for his side as they started on a positive note after the break. What was worrying for Dynamos was how their full backs were easily exposed with Khan in particular, being targeted by the opposition as he moved to a more central position which left Josl unmarked.
Veldhoven introduced the nippy Gustavo Marmentini for Del Piero in order to add more guile to their attack. The Brazilian was a treat to watch as his pace and delicate touches left the NorthEast United defenders puzzled.
The north eastern side appealed for a penalty unsuccessfully after the hour mark when Leo Bertos found Gurung inside the box. Wim Raymaekers got his hand across the full-back which saw him hit the deck.
Marmentini continued to trouble the NorthEast defense with his pace, who seemed to be running short of ideas against the Brazilian.
NorthEast should have taken the lead when Keene combined well with Felipe to find Bertos unmarked but the Kiwi midfielder failed to capitalize and saw his shot go over the crossbar.
Delhi came close when Herrero’s lofted pass saw Marmentini blaze past Miguel Garcia, but the final effort was surprisingly poor by the Brazilian.
Delhi made their final change in the 80th minute as Junker was replaced by his Danish counterpart Martin Skuobo. Hans Mulder should have broken the deadlock five minutes before time but his effort was well saved by Rehenesh.
That was the last chance of the game as the two sides picked a point each from the tie.
