Football crosses carry a unique charm, often the result of a well-timed connection between the player on the flank and the one waiting in the box. On Wednesday, Bengaluru FC demonstrated this beautifully in their 2-0 semi-final win over FC Goa in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) at Kanteerava Stadium.
This season, Bengaluru FC has attempted more crosses than any other team, and it was no surprise that two crucial crosses helped them clinch the victory. While the game started off with both teams playing cautiously, the hosts, who had already attempted 534 crosses this season, looked more threatening as the match progressed.
The first key moment came early, requiring some brave defending by FC Goa’s captain, Odei Onaindia, who made a crucial diving interception to deny Edgar Mendez’s inviting low cross towards Ryan Williams. However, in the 42nd minute, the Bengaluru duo of Mendez and Williams linked up again for the opening goal. Mendez, after retrieving the ball from a misdirected shot by Suresh Wangjam, delivered a cross towards Williams. Goa’s Sandesh Jhingan, attempting to clear, inadvertently scored an own goal with a diving header, giving Bengaluru the lead.
If that first cross was a hopeful one, the second was a work of art. In the 51st minute, Williams played a clever 1-2 with Namgyal Bhutia, who then spotted Mendez making a perfectly timed run into space. Bhutia’s low cross found Mendez, who finished first-time to double the lead.
As FC Goa tried to find a way back into the game, Bengaluru’s defense remained resolute. Roshan Singh Naorem at left-back was outstanding, while Bhutia and Rahul Bheke, with a record 16 interceptions in the match, kept Goa’s attack at bay.
“We’ve done the first job, now the second leg will be tougher,” said Bheke after the match. With a 2-0 lead, Bengaluru FC heads into the second leg in Goa on April 6, where they know the challenge will be even greater.
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