The season two of the Indian Super League (ISL) kicked-off on the October 3, and in the opening ceremony of the league, which has India's who's who owning teams, it was but natural to have a host of celebrities adding starry shine to a glitzy night.
But it has been a week of breathtaking football action that has set the tone for another successful ISL season.
Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s dance moves complemented Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman’s soulful music at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the 45-minute programme attended by, among others, Sachin Tendulkar; Rajinikanth; Mukesh Ambani with his wife and founder person of the ISL, Nita Ambani; and the Bachchan family.
The inaugural ceremony’s razzmatazz and fanfare, did total justice to the anticipation of the Indian Crowd, longing for the tournament to start as the grand success of the inaugural seasons last year had the world talking – right from the improving standard of the game in India to the future of Indian football.
And 60 minutes after the ceremony, the league got off to a blockbuster start as defending champions Atletico de Kolkata edged past Chennaiyin FC in a high-octane and nervy inaugural match in front of a crowd of almost 30,000 at Chennai's Marina Arena.
Two goals from Atletico de Kolkata’s marquee player Helder Postiga and a header by super-sub Valdo proved to be enough to see off spirited Chennaiyin FC. The southern outfit didn’t help itself after defensive errors led to the first two goals for Kolkata before a pinpoint cross from last year’s hero of the tournament Iain Hume led to a thumping header by Valdo. Goals from Jeje and Elano then make it 2-1 and 3-2 for the home side.
But that was just the start to the opening week that threw up many more exciting moments.
Table Toppers
One of the bottom ranked teams of last year, FC Pune City wanted to prove a point this time around. With two wins in as many matches and six points under their belt, they are now at the top of the table. In their first match, Pune brushed aside a fancy Mumbai City FC in the Maratha Derby and then upset the NorthEast United in the second.
The other teams dominating the top four are Kerala Blasters FC (4 points) who are in second with one win and a draw from two matches, closely followed by Atletico de Kolkata [4 points], who are lagging behind on goal difference. Zico's FC Goa [4 points] are sitting at fourth position with one win, one loss and a draw in three matches.
Goa should consider themselves lucky to be still in the top four after their embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Chennaiyin FC.
Back-Benchers
The bottom half of the table is populated by some big and popular names. Last year's semi-finalists Chennaiyin FC, who started off with two consecutive losses, are on the fifth spot with three points that came from their sole win in three matches. Roberto Carlos' Delhi Dynamos have three points in their kitty with one win and a loss in two matches. Delhi are No. 6, behind Chennai on goal difference.
On the other hand, favourites Mumbai City FC will be disappointed with their lackluster performance so far. Nicolas Anelka's team was thrashed 1-3 by FC Pune City in the first match and held to a goalless draw by Kerala Blasters FC in the second. Mumbai just have one point in their bag and will hope to do much better in the coming days.
NorthEast United FC are the only side who have so far failed to get a win in the campaign and are currently occupying the last spot.
The Expensive Headbutt
Football fans across the world would remember the infamous headbutt in the World Cup final between Italy and France in 2006, when Zinedine Zidane hit Italian defender and current player manager of Chennaiyin FC Marco Materazzi, earning a straight red card.
The ISL too had a shot at its own version of headbutt. It came during the fifth match of the league between Atletico De Kolkata and FC Goa, when ATK forward Baljit Sahni intentionally hit FC Goa’s Gregory Arnolin on the face. The complexion of the match changed completely in the 63rd minute when Sahni, who had just been booked for an over-zealous tackle on Goa’s Gregory Arnolin, reacted aggressively to the referee’s decision and Arnolin confronting him. The 28-year-old Indian then went on to retaliate with an inexplicable headbutt on the FC Goa player resulting in the first red card of the season. Sahni was also handed a two-match ban and slapped with a hefty fine of INR 500,000.
Injury Impedes Carlos Magic
Indian football fans might just have to wait a little longer to see Brazilian legend Carlos play more regularly. Famously called the 'Bullet Man', Carlos, a World Cup winner with Brazil, signed with Delhi Dynamos as their player-manager, capturing the imagination of the fans in India who have since then waited with bated breath to see him play. Carlos appeared in his side's first match against FC Goa despite sustaining a finger fracture in his right hand during a training session. Delhi eventually lost the match 2-0 and Carlos' injury got worse, keeping him out of Delhi's first home game against Chennaiyin FC.
"I'm thankful to God that it's just my finger and not my legs or feet. I hope to be able to join them soon. I want a quick recovery for the fans who came in large numbers to cheer for us in the first home game," Carlos commented on his injury.
Habas Fined, Zico Warned
The AIFF disciplinary committee warned and fined Atletico de Kolkata's head coach Antonio Lopez Habas for engaging in public criticism of match officials during their game against FC Goa on October 7. Habas received a fine of INR 50,000 for his indiscretion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The committee also warned FC Goa chief coach Zico for his public comments on the performance of fourth match official during the game.
Postiga Blow for ATK
Atletico de Kolkata received a big blow to their campaign as their marquee player Helder Postiga was ruled out for three to four weeks. The Portuguese star, who has played in three World Cups, made a stunning debut for ATK scoring a brace in their 3-2 win over Chennaiyin FC in ISL opener on October 3. He has flown back home to get his injury treated by his personal doctor. Postiga, who struck in the 13th and 70th minute, was stretchered off the field and rushed to the hospital after pulling a muscle.
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