The Mechanical Engineering Department defeated the Humanities team 1-0, in the Inter Department League Football Quarter Finals held on 24th October. Heavy favourites for the title, they put in an underwhelming performance that was still good enough to beat the Humanities’ valiant display. Some players like Siddharth did impress, but they were individual performances and not a team effort, something which fortunately for them anyway, didn’t prove costly.
While they were never in too much trouble, they did make things very hard for themselves and only managed to breach the defence of the HS by a penalty which came with 5 minutes left in the match.The penalty had no cloud hanging over it though, a handball in the box led to it. Neither the player who committed the handball nor the one who back-passed to him under pressure were to blame. It was just an unfortunate turn of events. The penalty was perfectly placed in the corner by their midfielder Adarsh Unni, giving the goalkeeper no chance whatsoever.
Earlier, both teams had struggled to create any great chances throughout the encounter with the goalkeepers making mostly routine saves. Only once in a while would one be called into some urgent action. The defence of both sides did an admirable job, keeping it clean and quiet and making sure they were on top of their opponents at most times. Navneeth and Savio did a clinical job, clearing several balls with no nonsense, old school defending.
The first half was dominated in possession by the HS and the second by the Mechs. The best chance of the first half fell to the HS’s Aditya Haneef, and he made no mistake, putting the ball in the net – but the celebrations were short-lived as the touchline referee immediately indicated an offside. There was no doubt about the call, with Aditya being a yard or two in front of the defender when he received the pass.
The introduction of Baladitya put more emphasis on the offense, but the cracks were beginning to show in the HS defense due to tiredness. The humid evening was taking its toll big time. The introduction of some fresh legs in the form of Simha, after the goal was conceded made no difference to the final scoreline, although a couple of half chances were had… In the end though, the Humanities team could walk off with their heads held high despite defeat, as they had made their opponents sweat for the win and it was only from the spot and not from open play that their goal was finally breached.
The Mechs will definitely have to put in a better shift in next time out, as it is unlikely that such a poor performance will go unpunished twice. They may be the favourites, but this performance raised a few warning flags. They need to find out their weak links and prop themselves up quickly, else an upset is on the cards. The HS do have their weaknesses, but for being underdogs, they put up a good fight, and came out with their honour intact. The future definitely looks decent, while some improvements here and there can elevate the team to greater heights.
Report by Y.N. Simha
Pictures by Libin John
Article 19 