Premier Futsal: Kolkata 5s into the semis after 1-1 draw with Bengaluru 5s

Mapusa (Goa): In a match with some twists and an orange card flashed, two strong sides Bengaluru 5s and Kolkata 5s settled for a 1-1 draw in a keenly contested game on the second day of the Goa leg of the Premier Futsal on Wednesday. With the draw, Kolkata 5s made it to the semifinals. With a reasonable crowd at the Peddem Indoor sports complex, Kolkata were aggressive in the first quarter as they had more possession of the ball. Their defence too was up to the mark which ensured that Bengaluru players were unable to net the ball. [caption id=“attachment_2905672” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Kolkata 5s and Bengaluru 5s in action. Premier Futsal FB[/caption] Bengaluru too had their chances, in the quarter, but they missed the goal on some occasions, at times the ball went over the post or on other occasions it was saved by the keeper. Kolkata got a penalty, after a handball in the D-box by an opponent player, in the seventh minute which was beautifully converted into goal by the experienced Pula, who later became the player of the match, giving his side the lead and the edge over their rivals. In the second quarter, Bengaluru were more aggressive and their players displayed more effective coordination and passes. But they could not get the equaliser. Kolkata 5s too kept up the pressure but could not extend their lead. At the half time, the match was in Kolkata’s favour with scoreboard reading 1-0. In the third quarter, Bengaluru continued with their aggressive play and came back into the game. The equaliser was scored by Jonathan Piers in the 22nd minute. Kolkata too counter-attacked but could not add another goal as the scoreline remained 1-1. In the fourth quarter, an orange card was shown to Kolkata goalkeeper Cidao as he pushed the ball outside from the D-box in the 39th minute. Bengaluru had a chance to go ahead but the attempt was in vain. The two sides earned a point each after the draw. Yesterday also, Kolkata 5s had drawn with Goa 5s 2-2 at the same venue.