Dabang Mumbai teach Warriors a lesson

FLORIAN FUCHS would not go down easily. The Punjab Warriors’ defender Robert van der Horst plunged his arm and shoulder into the back of the Dabang Mumbai captain, eventually fouling him to bring him down. But it was the only way he could stop the German who had terrorised the defending champions’ defence at the MHA Stadium in Mumbai.

Moments ago, Fuchs roamed harmlessly by the 25-yard line while Nikkin Thimmaiah twisted and turned at the goalline, looking for an opening to make a pass. He found one, but his reverse hit was wayward, evading defenders and strikers alike. Fuchs recognised the opportunity though, and latched onto the ball. A first touch to control, a second to push the ball into the circle, and a third to strike the ball into the top right corner of the net.it was his second field goal of the match, and Mumbai’s third. The hosts would run away as 10-4 winners at fulltime.

Fuch’s first was almost similar – in that the 25-year-old floated unmarked just outside the box. Robbert Kemperman held the ball on the right corner and threaded a pass to Fuchs, who made his way inside the circle and played a strong and low reverse hit that struck the backboard just inside the near post, right on the half-time buzzer.

It was the goal that helped them retake the lead. In just the fifth minute, Thimmaiah found himself two yards from the Warriors’ goal, facing an empty net. Emmanuel Stockbroekx sprinted down the right flank and slapped in a cross that deflected off Warriors skipper Mark Knowles stick – throwing off onrushing goalkeeper Tristan Clemons – and giving Thimmiaiah the pleasant task of volleying home the opener.

Mumbai started working its way up the pitch regularly, increasing the pressure on the rusty defending champions who were playing their first match of the season.

Still, there were signs of the Warriors’ strong counter-attacking game. Australian forward Matt Gohdes dispossessed lastman Harmanpreet Singh at the halfway line, sprinted down the field and slotted home the equaliser.

It was there on that Fuchs started dictating play. The skipper directed the movement Mumbai beat Punjab 10-4.

Stockbroekx played a key role for Mumbai. His work-rate wreaked havoc on the Warriors’ defensive structure. The tall midfielde shares a strong chemistry with Fuchs

of his players from the forwardline, often falling back to help in defensive work. His own movement was unparalleled drawing out defenders at will to make space for his teammates, and even finding himself vacant on occasion to collect passes.

Also instrumental was Stockbroekx, whose work-rate wreaked havoc on the Warriors’ defensive structure. The tall midfielder, who was a part of the Belgium team that won silver at the Rio Olympics, share a strong chemistry with Fuchs. Often the pair would coordinate to go past defenders by juggling passes between each other.

By the time Fuchs had scored his second goal, the Hil-specific field goal rule put the scoreline at 6-2 in favour of the hosts. Armaan Qureshi pulled another one back for the visitors, before Affan Yousuf struck a braceinthe48th and49th minuteofplay.

Kevin D’souza