Defence saves Blasters' blushes

Referee steps in to pacify Delhi Dynamos' goalkeeper Kristof Van Hout and and Kerala Blasters' Andrew Barisic during the game in Kochi on Sunday. Josekutty Panackal

Even though the game ended in a draw, Sunday's match was won by Delhi Dynamos. While they can consider a draw in the away match as a victory, Kerala Blasters should consider the draw in their home match as a failure.

In the first half, Blasters' strikers tried a lot, but they seemed to lose their enthusiasm in the second half. Had Blasters capitalised on the chances they got in the first half, they could have won the match. In the second half, Delhi monopolised the game with their frequent attacks. Was it not for the defence, Blasters could have crumbled under the attack.

Andrew Barisic, who progresses fast to the goal front and Iain Hume, who has good tactics to his credit, were ineffective although they tried hard. However, the team played well and luck certainly had a hand to play in the result.

The goalkeeper of Delhi, Kristof Van Hout, played well and made Blasters' job tougher. He has been using his height to his and his team's advantage. A goalkeeper who is as tall as Van Hout is certainly a challenge for the strikers.

(The author is a former Indian player)