Just a day to go. The big day in Indian football is almost upon us. The grand finale of the Indian Super League season 2 kicks off on Sunday, 20 December. Two deserving teams — Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa — will fight it out for the coveted title.
The ISL has taken Indian football by storm. Last year, Atletico de Kolkata came, played and conquered. This year, either Chennai or Goa will taste that success.
Both teams shed a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to reach the final stage of the competition. A gruelling schedule saw the teams play almost every fourth day in the competition, but the test of stamina, perseverance, and dedication has finally borne fruit for them.
Zico, coach, FC Goa, has said both teams deserved to be in the ISL 2015 final. "I think the two most deserving teams got through," the Brazil legend said ahead of the crucial match. The Italian coach, who guided Chennaiyin FC to their first final in the ISL in two years, also echoed Zico.
"This year the teams that got through to the final are the teams that got more goals," Materazzi said. "I think the most deserving teams are in the finals. What was missing last year is there this year. I think all of us contributed to rise of the level of the League. Last year it took 19 points, this year 22 (to qualify)."
FC Goa remained atop the table after the end of the overall 56 matches in the league this season. Chennaiyin FC stood third with 22 points.
All eyes now shift to the D-Day, as we prepare to witness one of the most important Indian football matches of the 2015 calendar year.
ISL 2015 final schedule
Match: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC
TV listings: Star Sports 1/HD 1, Star Sports 2/HD 2, Star Sports 3/HD 3 [English feed] (India), Star Gold (UK), US (Fox Sports).
Date: 20 December, 2015.
Time: 7 pm IST.
Venue: JLN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa.