It’s a World Cup final for both teams: Vingada

Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United are battling for the last play-off spot. Kerala Blasters need only a draw to qualify for semi-finals and should be at an advantage since they are playing at home where they have won four matches in a row. “We just play. I don’t know how to play for a draw. 

We play to try and win the game. As the game develops, obviously people make decisions. The coaches will try and change (approach). As the game develops, the consequences will become apparent but certainly at the start, we are going in to win, trying to win. That’s the only way we can approach,” said Kerala Blasters manager Steve Coppell during the prematch media interaction. 

If Kerala Blasters are entertaining any hopes of playing the final at home even with midfielder Mehtab Hossain suspended, they must stop NorthEast United FC. The Highlanders have never made it to the knock-out stage in previous two seasons and will be equally determined to qualify for the first time in three attempts. 

“I am sure we will have a fantastic atmosphere. It’s hard for one of the team who will be out but this is the best side of football. You can say we played enough quality football to be already qualified. (But) Football is not only performance, it’s about results. We will be here for one thing: result, and as you know, performance is forgotten and result remains forever. I hope we can have a great game,” said NorthEast United coach Nelo Vingada. 

Interestingly, the two teams were the first to play each other this season as ISL 2016 kick off at Guwahati, 1st October with NorthEast United scoring a solitary goal victory at home.