Premier Futsal Kochi vs Mumbai- Salgado’s Kochi conqueror Giggs’ Mumbai

Mumbai 5’s, led by Ryan Giggs, were in for a rude awakening as they were demolished by a determined Kochi team. Mumbai, riding high on the wave of their victory in the opening match, were brought back to earth as Kochi vs Mumbai ended in a mauling for the Mumbai side!

Like last night, fans turned out in huge numbers to cheer their favourites. Likewise, as in the previous evening, many fans were seen sporting Manchester United merchandise. Incidentally, Foglia wore the top goal scorers’ armband, by virtue of his 2 goals the previous night.

Fans got to see the first of Michel Salgado as the former Spain right back led the attack for his team. At the other end Foglia attempted to get into the action but was foiled by the Kochi defence.

Towards the end of the first quarter, Giggs almost opened the scoring. He managed to beat the goalkeeper, but his shot was kept out at the last moment.  Kochi opted to keep possession and build from the back to create space while Mumbai only looked to counter on winning the ball back.

Foglia terrorised the Kochi defence in the second quarter, but was denied by the opposition goalkeeper. Kochi, on the other hand, were wasteful in front of goal and the teams went into half time scoreless.

After the restart, things got interesting as Giggs and Salgado came together a couple of times. Fans were left to salivate at the thought of both legends at their prime, when Giggs would have bombed down the left, with Salgado coming out to challenge him.

However, the referee had enough with the fifth foul. Kochi won a penalty off Giggs and Moraes opened the scoring. Kochi had another penalty shout turned down.

Giggs made amends almost immediately. His trickery and a sublime back heel pass created the move from which Foglia set up Angellot to level the scores. The scores were level at the end of the third quarter as well.

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Kochi completely took the game away from Mumbai in the final quarter with 2 quick-fire goals. First Deives Moraes doubled his tally as Kochi finally managed to beat Mumbai goalkeeper, Casalone, in open play.

Mumbai were given no time to recover as Gekabert scored in similar fashion from the right. Mumbai tried to fight back, but got no respite from Kochi. The south Indian team counter attacked from a Mumbai corner, shooting inches away from goal.

Finally, Salgado had his moment as the defender won the ball from Giggs, before making a sumptuous run and beating the goalkeeper. The rest of the game was seen out by the jubilant Kochi players.

The result leaves Mumbai and Kochi on the same points tally, while Kochi have a game in hand. Falcao’s Chennai are back in action tomorrow against Kochi.

It is to be seen whether Kochi can maintain their intensity. Meanwhile, fans brace for a showdown between futsal’s ‘Pele’ (Falcao) and Salgado.