ISL 2015: It's all up for grabs as battle for semi-final berths goes down to the wire

One and a half months into the second season, the Indian Super League has lived up to its billing of unpredictability and transiency as the group stage enters the business end. With just eighteen games left to play before the knock-outs, only five points separate table-toppers FC Goa from the wooden spoon holders Chennaiyin FC. The third consecutive draw for Delhi Dynamos on 14 November kept things interesting at the top of the table with all the top half sides – FC Goa, FC Pune City, Delhi Dynamos and Atletico De Kolkata in touching distance of one another. [caption id=“attachment_2480602” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Nicolas Velez of NorthEast United FC celebrates his goal against Ateltico de Kolkata. ISL[/caption] Fifth-placed NorthEast United had an incredible opportunity to claim the top spot but Cesar Farias’ side fell to a crushing defeat at hands of Kerala Blasters on 15 November – the 4-1 away win helping Terry Phelan’s side lift themselves off the bottom of the league standings. None of the eight teams have emerged as clear favourites for the title yet. While FC Goa and Pune City have been the frontrunners courtesy their strong performances in all aspects of the game, they have registered only as many wins as the injury-riddled Atletico de Kolkata and North East United FC, which began the season with three losses on the trot. A little more than a month ago, when Chennaiyin FC had routed FC Goa in a 4-0 affair, hardly anyone could have foreseen Marco Materazzi’s would plummet to the bottom of the table after six more matches. Mumbai City FC have had a similar topsy-turvy season, failing to win any of their first three and following it up with three wins on the back of individual brilliance from their forwards. Once their juggernaut was halted by Atletico de Kolkata, the Nicolas Anelka-led side has continued their winless streak against Delhi Dynamos and Pune City. The round-robin format of the competition, short recovery time between matches and constant travel mean all the teams are equally affected by fatigue. While injuries to players like Sanchez Watt and Arata Izumi have hampered their respective side’s chances, a steady run of games have also ensured return to form of players like Robin Singh as the Indian Super League has progressed. A lot of factors have combined to culminate into closely-fought matches. The increased salary funds at a staggering 21 crores ensured clubs had access to better quality foreign players (especially marquee signings), alongside a diverse group of Indians. The availability of the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Thoi Singh and Siam Hanghal – players who feature regularly in the I-League have helped bridge the gap between foreign acquisitions (most of whom are past their prime and have to adjust to India’s climate) and the lesser known Indian youngsters who yet to solidify their foothold on the game. The tactical battles between the sides have been well-etched, with managers constantly chopping and changing players and formations to usurp each other. In a stark contrast to last season, teams are not only better prepared, but also seem more hungry to win games. Late goals, shocking results, dynamic tactical systems, emergence of impact substitutes – the football fans in India have witnessed surprises galore this season. That only eight out of the thirty-eight matches so far have ended in a stalemate as opposed to twenty draws in 2014 is a testament to the quality of football on display. All the eight teams can still qualify for the semi-finals – promising an unprecedented battle down to the wire with a flurry of permutations and combinations over the next three weeks. As Roberto Carlos put it very aptly, it is touch-and-go for all the teams concerned. “There is no easy competition. ISL is very equal. We get assumptions like Delhi will go to the semis. But then, matches happen and things even out. All matches are pretty much equal and it is hard for everyone,” summarised the Brazilian in light of recent results.