Following an exciting and dramatic group stage, the Hero Super Cup now moves on to the semi-final as teams prepare for the last drive for the trophy. Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC will face off in the first semi-final of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with the hopes of reaching the final.
With dominant performances, both teams topped their respective groups. The Blues had one victory and two draws. While Aidy Boothroyd’s squad was the best-performing team in the group stages, winning three games and earning the maximum potential points. The battle pits the Hero ISL finalists against the Men of Steel. Who did not achieve their goals in the Hero ISL.
Simon Grayson’s men will be confident heading into the encounter after doing the double against Jamshedpur FC in the Hero ISL season. But the Men of Steel appear like a different squad in the Hero Super Cup. Carrying a tremendous offensive threat to propel the club forward. Boothroyd’s side has scored the most goals in the competition, 11 in three group stage matches.
As a result, the mini-battles on the pitch will be crucial for either team if they are to win the crucial match. Here’s where Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC’s position in the Hero Super Cup Semi-Final match may be won or lost:
Players to look into in the Semi-final
Rafael Crivellaro vs Javi Hernandez (semi-final)
Javi Hernandez and Rafael Crivellaro, two of the greatest international midfielders in Indian football. They have been the chief creators for their respective sides. Controlling the speed of the game through the centre of the park. From playing defence-splitting through balls to scoring crucial goals. Both players have produced and will want to maintain the trend in the semi-final.
Hernandez maintained his momentum from the Hero ISL into the Hero Super Cup, scoring two goals in three group games. In the Hero ISL, the 33-year-old set up two goals for the Blues against Jamshedpur FC. The midfielder scored the first goal of the competition for the Blues against Sreenidi Deccan FC. And the second goal to secure the victory against Hero I-League champion RoundGlass Punjab FC, demonstrating his ability to score goals. Crivellaro’s two goals and an assist against FC Goa, including a magnificent free-kick. They were great examples of his abilities. And the Brazilian was at his best when he set up the opening goal against Hero ISL champions ATK Mohun Bagan.
The struggle for midfield supremacy will be essential in the semi-final match for both clubs. Crivellaro will like to maintain his club’s unbeaten record in the tournament going. While Hernandez would like to lead his team into the final, making it the Blues’ third final this season.
Read More :- Bengaluru FC defeated Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Super Cup semi final, with Rane and Chhetri scoring
Pratik Chaudhari vs. Roy Krishna
Both an experienced attacker and an energetic center-back have been crucial to their teams’ success in the competition. Roy Krishna has commanded the Blues’ line, while Pratik Chaudhari has been a rock in the Men of Steel’s backfield.
The Fijian striker scored the game-winning goal against Kerala Blasters FC in the final Group A match. Demonstrating his capacity to come up big for his club. Grayson will be hopeful that his striker can replicate his exploits against Jamshedpur FC in the opposite game during the current Hero ISL season. Meanwhile, in the heart of the defence, Chaudhari has forged an excellent relationship with Eli Sabia, and head coach Boothroyd praises his no-nonsense and combative defensive approach. The 24-year-old is also a deadly weapon in attacking set-pieces, as seen by his goal against FC Goa in the tournament’s first match.
This conflict will be crucial to the result.
Boris Singh vs. Suresh Wangjam
Former colleagues of the Indian National team junior setup, Suresh Wangjam and Boris Singh, will lock horns in midfield to grab control of the semi-final game. Both players have incredible quickness, movement, and stamina, making for a physically tough contest for midfield domination.
Wangjam is a strong midfielder for the Blues who is not afraid to challenge and hound opponents; his late runs into the area are a surprise factor that makes him unpredictable. The 22-year-old would be in charge of connecting the defence and attack while intercepting and sensing any harmful moves from the opponents. Boris, on the other hand, has been more influential on the attacking end of the game, scoring and creating goals for the Red Miners. In three group stage matches, the 23-year-old scored twice against ATK Mohun Bagan while generating countless attacking possibilities.
Suresh, the resilient, sturdy defense-minded player, meets tricky attack-minded Boris; in order to lead their respective teams to the ultimate reward, both players will need to not only be at the top of their game, but they will also need to set an example for their colleagues to follow.
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