ISL ::: Odhisha FC vs FC GOA:: GMC STADIUM , Bambolim

It is often said that when you give the most important role to a donkey you cannot expect a great play.

Today it was a part of Raktim Saha, and he is officiating his first ISL match this season.

Background:::
While for Goa, the captain and the versatile playmaker Edu Vadia was rested. On the other side, Odhisha had also rested their iconic player and prolific scorer Marcelinho.

What marks important background is the background of the person, who is the ultimate decision-maker of the game. And his statistics, at least in this ISL is clean, as today will be his first match. We expect a great performance from Raktim also


The battle on the field:

In the second minute, only Goa made their intentions very clear. It was Ortiz who took the shot at Arshadeep the Goalkeeper but was saved nicely. You can easily feel what is in the store tonight for the game.
Under seventh minute Lenny, today's captain of Goa was booked. It was a legitimate one and even the player doesn't look unhappy with the decision. Raktim seems to show the players, who is in charge of the match today.


The first goal was scored at the 45+2 extra minute and it was a top=notch from Angelo. It was a pure class written all over it..

45+3 min, now it's half time, and the game seems to be flowing as it should. The advantage rules are given, no unnecessary fouls and the referee, Raktim, seems to be within the 10/15 yards of the ball every time.

Second half::

50th minute and Angelo is convinced that Taylor has handed the ball in his back. while having a first look it was not noticed, but only while looking back at the same with zooming lens, it was clear Taylor has done the same.No way the referee would have seen that, and we are bound to give Raktim benefit of the doubt here.

On the 70th minute, Hendry Antonay got booked. It was a clumsy challenge on Ortiz and that deserved a Yellow.

80th minute and Brandon got booked. It looked like Brandon fouled on Tratt. Though the foul doesn't look like it attracted the yellow but looked like Brandon said something when the foul was given, and if it is that then the A yellow card is justified.

Overall it was a good game with Goa clearly showing the supremacy and Odhisa though sometimes showed some good collective composed football, but it never liked they would score anytime and take the game away.
Most importantly Raktim, today's referee had shown good control over the footballers and the match situation and clearly was one who had known his job and does the same with very decent delivery. If only, we see more referees like today's match !!!