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FC Goa leapfrogged Atletico de Kolkata to move into second place in the Indian Super League standings after a 3-0 victory against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Monday. Brazilian legend Zico's team have 18 points from 12 matches, one more than Kolkata who, though, have a game in hand. Chennaiyin FC are well ahead of the field with 22 points from 12 matches. Marco Materazzi's team became the first team to qualify for the semifinals after Sunday's win against Kerala Blasters FC. Kerala are in fourth place, two points behind Kolkata but having played a game more. At the end of the home and away fixtures, the top four teams will qualify for the semifinals. Goals from winger Romeo Fernandes, forward Miroslav Slepicka and former Arsenal left-back Andre Santos in the 33rd, 45th and 74th minute respectively ensured Goa's victory in front of a cheering home crowd numbering 18,750. Zico rested marquee signing, Arsenal legend Robert Pires, for the game. Goa was happy to play the counter-attacking game for most of the match. However, it was the Reddes who got off to a lively start. Goa's Afghan defender Zohib Amiri nearly gave them an early lead, heading Fernandes' cross just over the bar. The Highlanders' short passing game started to get better as the half progressed. Goa were forced to defend in numbers. But the better scoring chances came the way of the home team. Brazilian Santos headed over from close range with the Highlanders' custodian TP Rehenesh well and truly beaten. In the 33rd minute, the home team had the lead. Goa's Czech forward Slepicka played in local boy Fernandes, who scored the 100th goal of the tournament which started on Oct. 12. At the stroke of half-time, Goa doubled their lead with a classic counter-attacking goal. Keeper Jan Seda's accurate long throw found Fernandes, who speeded down the left and cut back to midfielder Bikramjit Singh, who unerringly found Slepicka. The in-form Czech forward made no mistake scoring his fourth goal in three matches. In the second half, Goa were happy to defend in numbers and come up with a few quick counter-attacks. Highlander's Spanish striker Koke forced Seda into a good save with a powerful shot. In the 74th minute. Goa left-back Narayan Das made an overlapping run down his wing and found Santos in the box. The Brazilian made no mistake and it was game over for the Highlanders'. Coach Zico was elated with his team's performance, telling reporters: "I am very happy. We had our feet on the ground. My players gave their best in practice and this win is the fruit of that," he said. The Brazilian did not get drawn into whether his team can qualify for the semifinals. "We have to think one step at a time and now we have to focus only on our next game against Chennai. They have had very good results which has put them in a very good spot. Now we are going to play with the same disposition and same desire and will try to get more points." Zico's men take on league leaders Chennai on Friday. The Highlanders -- who are in sixth place with 13 points from 12 matches -- are also southward bound as they play Kerala a day earlier.
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