Despite the presence of two former European Championship winners from France, Robert Pires' FC Goa and Nicolas Anelka's Mumbai City FC ground out a goalless draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday night.
The game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa was billed as the face-off between the attacking prowess of the one-time teammates but ended in a result that failed to satisfy either team.
The high humidity took its toll on both sides -- a refreshment break was taken as early as the middle of the first half to give players a respite from the physically draining climate.
Both the Les Blues stars had quiet games. FC Goa coach and Brazilian legend Zico took off the former Arsenal midfielder at half-time. Although Mumbai City boss Peter Reid did not substitute Anelka, the ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City striker was a shadow of the resurgent forward who had scored in his previous two ISL matches.
With FC Goa trying to conserve their energy in the first half, the visitors' striker Subhash Singh put the ball in the back of the net but from an off-side position. Just before half-time, FC Goa defender Gregory Arnolin came close to scoring from a corner before his header missed the target.
In the second half, Arnolin threatened again from a set-piece. His shot off a corner beat Mumbai City keeper Subrata Paul, but crashed against the woodwork.
In a battle of midfield attrition, Mumbai City's Czech midfielder Jan Stohanzl was the stand-out performer.
The day's other match between Kerala Blasters FC and Delhi Dynamos also produced a goalless draw. But, the 50,000 spectators at Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium witnessed an engrossing game replete with attacking moves from both teams and fine defending and goalkeeping.
The game started with visitors Delhi settling into their passing game, orchestrated by birthday boy and former Italian World Cup winner and marquee signing Alessandro del Piero, who turned 40 on Sunday.
However, a mistake by the visitors deep in their own area nearly gave Kerala an early lead. But Delhi's Belgian custodian Kristof Van Hout saved Kerala Blasters' Stephen Pearson's shot. The lanky Belgian rescued his team again, making a save at full stretch after Kerala midfielder Andrew Barisic's cross ricocheted off Delhi defender Adil Khan. Kerala striker Iain Hume headed the rebound but the ball went out after hitting the outside of the post.
Kerala were dominant by this point, and even had the ball in the net through Australia's Barisic. But it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
Delhi came closest to scoring in the early part of the second half. Del Piero's flicked header sent his teammate Robert Lalthamuana through on goal. The Delhi defender's chip beat Kerala keeper David James, but it went wide.
Kerala coach Trevor Morgan brought on striker Milagres Gonsalves to join Barisic and Hume in a three-pronged attack. However, the home team could not convert any opportunities. Neither could the visitors as an entertaining end-to-end second half also finished without breaking the stalemate.
Del Piero praised the efforts of his team. "It is a good point for us," said the Italian legend. "Playing away we didn't lose today. We also created a few chances to score and our goalkeeper made some important saves. So overall, it was good not to lose."
Italy and Juventus legend Del Piero was moved by the birthday reception given to him by the crowd in Kochi. "I saw the banners that spectators were holding up wishing me on my birthday," said Del Piero. "This is amazing that I had the opportunity to share this moment with the people during and after the game."
Delhi Dynamos will host FC Goa on Nov. 13. Kerala Blasters are at home to Mumbai City FC a day earlier.