PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 3: Jamshedpur FC continued their incredible home form in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a convincing 3-1 victory over FC Goa at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday evening. With this win Jamshedpur have to second position in the ISL table standings.
With this win, the Men of Steel registered their eighth home victory in nine games this season, completing a league double over FC Goa for the second time in the club’s history.
Siverio and Ćirković Shine
The Furnace was ignited by a stellar performance from Javi Siverio, who bagged a brace, while Lazar Ćirković added a spectacular long-range strike to set the tone. Khalid Jamil’s men showcased their attacking flair, defensive solidity, and relentless energy to outplay the visitors, who struggled to keep pace despite a stunning goal from Ayush Dev Chhetri.
As the commentator said before kickoff, “One is steel and another is stone – together they will make a spark,” and Jamshedpur FC lived up to the statement by launching wave after wave of early attacks.
Early Pressure and Missed Chances
Within the opening 10 minutes, the Men of Steel almost grabbed the lead through Imran Khan and Javi Hernández, but Goa’s goalkeeper made a crucial double save to deny them.
The relentless pressure from Jamshedpur continued, with Siverio coming close on multiple occasions. First, he failed to connect with Imran’s low cross (17’), then sent a shot just wide from a delivery by Uvais (19’) and narrowly missed an outside-of-the-boot cross from Imran (25’).
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Jamshedpur Strikes Twice in Quick Succession
Jamshedpur’s persistence finally paid off in the 34th minute. Lazar Ćirković unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box, rifling the ball into the top right corner to give the hosts a well-deserved lead.
The Furnace erupted, and before the cheers had even settled, Jamshedpur doubled their advantage.
Just four minutes later (38’), Javi Siverio pounced on a loose ball after Sanan’s shot was fumbled by the FC Goa keeper and slotted home from close range, making it 2-0 and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Goa’s Response Before Halftime
However, FC Goa clawed their way back into the game just before halftime. In added time (45+2’), Ayush Dev Chhetri struck a sensational long-range effort from outside the box, beating Albino Gomes and bringing the score to 2-1 at the break.
Siverio Secures Victory
Jamshedpur FC started the second half as they did the first, with Sanan causing havoc down the flanks. His dangerous cross in the 48th minute forced FC Goa into desperate defending.
The home side came agonizingly close to restoring their two-goal lead in the 64th minute when Albino Gomes launched a pinpoint long ball to Siverio, who controlled and turned expertly before smashing a shot against the crossbar.
Four minutes later, however, Siverio finally got his second of the night (68′) with a perfectly placed header off a Mobashir Rahman corner, re-establishing Jamshedpur’s dominance at 3-1. The goal was set up by some clever play from Sanan and Lazar, who won the corner with intricate movement.
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Solid Defense and Tactical Substitutions
Jamshedpur controlled the remainder of the game efficiently, keeping FC Goa at bay while managing the tempo. Goa attempted to mount a late comeback, winning multiple corners, but the Jamshedpur defence, marshalled by Ćirković and Eze, stood firm.
Khalid Jamil made timely changes to maintain control, bringing on Mobashir Rahman (58’), Len Doungel (81’), Ritwik Das and Rei Tachikawa (89’). Goa made attacking substitutions of their own, including the introduction of Jay Gupta and Mohammad Yasir, but Jamshedpur’s defence ensured Goa did not create any clear-cut chances to ensure Jamshedpur walked away with three points.
Upcoming Fixtures
Jamshedpur FC’s focus now shifts to Bengaluru as they travel to play them at the Kanteerava next Sunday, February 9 at 7.30 pm.
Jamshedpur FC’s next home game will be versus NorthEast United on February 13.
