"In a strange sort of way, I am happy that we have to win to go through because that way there is no doubt in our mind. If we would have been able to qualify with a draw, all of a sudden human nature means you try and protect what you have and I don't think that really suits us. The results in midweek mean that we have only one goal in mind and we have only one way we can play. We simply have to win to qualify," said Jamshedpur head coach Steve Coppell.
.@emerson22memo masterclass needed tomorrow! 🎩⏰#JAMGOA #JamKeKhelo pic.twitter.com/R9jypyu8qi
— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) March 3, 2018
The Englishman left no doubts that his team will go for the victory. The previous fixture between the two sides ended 2-1 in favour of Goa at the Nehru Stadium in Goa.
"Do we need to get better in front of goal? Obviously, that has been the case all season. More potential and more fire-power in front of goal. It's not the strikers' fault, but the team's responsibility to create chances and score goals and we have to correct that for tomorrow," he said.
Hugo Boumous has put on a stellar show for the #Gaurs in the matches he's played so far!💪
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 3, 2018
Will he be on the score-sheet tomorrow? 🤔#ForcaGoa pic.twitter.com/3VyEOKGmbt
Goa meanwhile are back to their best. They've scored nine goals in the last two matches, trouncing impressive FC Pune City 4-0 away before beating defending champions ATK 5-1 at home. Goa had not defeated ATK since the league's inception in 2014.
"I know a draw is enough for us but once we try and play for a draw, we end up losing the game. So we do our best to try and win the match," Goa head coach Sergio Lobera said. If Goa win, they can finish second due to their record against Pune City.
All the significant numbers to look at before our crucial match tomorrow against @JamshedpurFC! 📊#ForcaGoa #JAMGOA #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/C8pqoWs5Fo
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 3, 2018
Goa have a few niggles but Lobera wouldn't elaborate on which players were doubtful for the crunch match. "They're a defensively well-structured team and comfortable with their style of play. They deserve to be in a situation where they can fight for the semifinals," Lobera said about Jamshedpur.
Match starts at 5:30 pm IST
Live on Star Sports 2
Streamed live on Hotstar
Source: ISL Media
Gearing up to take on the #Gaurs 💪#JAMGOA #JamKeKhelo pic.twitter.com/TOUPhHhmiM
— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) March 3, 2018