Kochi, Nov. 17 (IANS): Kerala Blasters and ATK played out an entertaining goalless draw in front of a packed house in the Indian Super Leagues season four opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday. Both teams took a combined 17 shots, attempted 34 crosses and pumped in 11 corners, but failed to break the deadlock.
This was also the first 0-0 result between the two sides, with ATK failing to win their first away match of a season for the first time in ISL history. Neither team took a lot of time to warm up, with both defences opening up in the early exchanges. Milan Singh's rasping shot narrowly past the post within the first five minutes but the best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to ATK's Hitesh Sharma.
The ball fell kindly for him after a good play down the right by Rupert Nongrum, and his shot from a one-on-one situation was parried away by on-rushing goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.
ATK then saw their tricky winger Zequinha's curling shot hit the post; its clatter triggered a sigh of relief in the stadium.
The visitors may have nipped it in terms of the better chances created, but Kerala Blasters will rue the missed opportunities they had to score.
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was left waiting for a good cross too many times and Iain Hume's industry proved futile with the former ATK forward taken off at the hour mark.
While ATK relied on slow build-up play, Blasters looked for quick breaks going forward.
Berbatov slowly but surely grew into the game, setting up a few attacks with his trademark perfectly weighted passes and it was his expert touch that set up both CK Vineeth and Rino Anto down the right whenever they went forward.
The Blasters made good use of set-pieces as well, but Sandesh Jhingan's attempts skidded off his head amid a crowd of defenders in red and white.
The home side started the second half brightly, with Berbatov and Courage Pekuson combining to put Vineeth through down the left. He cut in and shot but it was palmed away by Debjit Majumder, who had earlier frustrated Berbatov in trying to find space to pull the trigger. As Kerala grew wasteful, ATK gained confidence, especially after Robin Singh replaced Finnish striker Njazi Kuqi. But the Indian No. 9 couldn't convert a low cross on his stronger left side.
NorthEast United aim cautious start against Jamshedpur
Caution is the buzzword for NorthEast United FC coach Joao de Deus as his team opens the campaign against Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Saturday.
NorthEast United have never made it to the playoffs in the last three ISL editions but the Portuguese coach is confident that his team can turn over a new leaf as they start with a home game.
"I can't speak of the past. At this moment, our team, we have a group of qualified coaches who have deep knowledge of training. But in competition with so much demand, we should be careful in some situation. We are preparing our team in a certain way," said Joao.
The hosts have a strong enough squad to challenge the established teams in the competition. India stars Halicharan Narzary and Rowllin Borges will be certain starters in midfield, although Rowllin's injury in training has been some cause for concern.
"First, let's see if he is on the field tomorrow. If he is not available obviously we are not going to play with just 10 players. He'll be in the XI if he is fit," said the coach. For Jamshedpur FC, the opening game will be their first taste of ISL action.
"I am excited about our first match. My squad has been preparing for six to seven weeks. I think we are all raring to go. Looking for the challenge. We are a new franchise but that doesn't make a great deal of difference," said Jamshedpur coach Steve Coppell.
Even though Jamshedpur are new to the ISL, they have enough experience in their ranks, starting with their coach who guided Kerala Blasters to the final last season. On the field, there will be Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo in defence, South African Sameehg Doutie in midfield and Senegalese striker Talla N'Diaye.
"Coming here (Guwahati) for the first match of the season is difficult. They have got a good team and we don't know much about them as a team. Once we get few games under our belt, we can prepare better for our oppositions," said Coppell.
