Coutinho catches Mahindras napping

PUNE, JAN 7: Mahindras jinx with the National Football League continued as their Group B opener against Goa League champions Salgaocar Sp...

PUNE, JAN 7: Mahindras jinx with the National Football League continued as their Group B opener against Goa League champions Salgaocar Sports Club ended on a sour note, 3-0 to an impressive Bruno Coutinho-inspired team.Strikes from Coutinho, S Venkatesh and Jude Odegah sent Mahindras to their defeat.

The Coca Cola League 8217;99 at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, seemed interesting for Mahindras came into the game having won three outstation tourneys. At the end of the first half, Mahindras were already two goals in arrears.Salgaocar first threatened through Coutinho8217;s throw-in from the right. A deep throw resulted in Odegah connecting well but defender Rajesh Pandey thwarted danger. Mahindras8217; vulnerability in defence showed when Coutinho8217;s square pass created panic with Andrew Louis handling the ball. With the advantage rule being applied, Venkatesh managed to get a foot on ball but only essayed harmlessly past 8216;keeper Salim Ansari.

It was almost a minute later that the Mahindra goal caved in. Salgaocar8217;sFrancis Coelho, moving from the defence, managed to find Coutinho in a clean position, 10 yards outside the box. With all the time in the world, Coutinho attempted a long ranger in the most casual way. His try swished past a defender and to the gasp of everyone, deceived 8216;keeper Ansawri who was beaten to the right angle.

The 19th minute goal scored by Salgaocar was doubled six minutes later, again inspired by Coutinho. Taking advantage of a slow Khalid Sidddiqui, Coutinho managed to send in a perfect cross for Venkatesh positioned inside the box on the right. A not-so-perfect connection saw Venkatesh play on to defender Abdul Razzak, and what followed was confusion galore.

Razzak failed to clear, leaving Alvito D8217;Cunha attempting a bicycle kick, which again saw the ball roll onto Venkatesh who unleashed a right-footer into the net.

Changing ends, the Mahindras goal was yet again threatened minutes.. Habib8217;s crack from outside the box had Ansari fumbling in collection, which failed to be capitalised byOdegah, positioned a couple of yards ahead. With the ball being momentarily cleared, Alvito on the left, had Coutinho at the other end miss from close range.

A change of goalkeepers saw Mark Mascarenhas take Ansari8217;s place. However, 10 minutes under the bar, Mascarenhas conceded Mahindras8217; third goal. Winning a throw-in on the right near the flag, Coutinho heaved in deep. A header by Habib left the defence, which included Bernard O and Pandey beaten, leaving Odegah with the simplest of opportunities to slam home.