Moritz gets Mumbai up and running
Pune’s damage-control measures come too late
Mumbai City FC responded to manager Peter Reid’s urging about the need to improve passing and cohesion with an astonishing attacking play against FC Pune City in the Hero Indian Super League here on Saturday.
Brazilian Andre Moritz capped passing bouts with three stunning goals, even as a solo strike from Subhash Singh and a crisp finish by Johann Letzelter sealed a 5-0 victory, the biggest margin so far in the ISL.
Relishing the bounce and feel of natural grass at the D.Y. Patil stadium, Moritz set off home team celebrations by the 12th minute. By the time teammate Letzelter struck the fifth in the 85th, Pune’s defence, marshalled by Italian Bruno Cirillo, had turned from a source of pride into embarrassment.
Three goals down in the first half, the visitors responded with three substitutions after the breather, taking out playmaker Lenny Rodrigues for South Korean Park Kwang-II, defender Andres Ramirez making way for Israil Gurung and midfielder Mehrajuddin Wadoo replaced by Omar Martinez.
The damage-control measures came too late. Mumbai’s offence shredded the Pune defence in the first half, creating space on the right with diagonal passes from the centre, followed by one-touch play.
Emmanuelle Belardi in the visitors’ goal was kept busy as the backline could not keep pace. He replied strongly with two saves, before the doors opened.
Moritz, lurking dangerously on the right flank, struck with a crisp left-footer low to the left corner. Lalrindika Ralte put the Brazilian on the move with a quick release from the left flank beyond the centerline.
The striker controlled the ball with his first touch, and then feinted inside Ramirez to create space for a left-footed drive into the net.
Earlier both teams made their intent clear with fierce tackles leading to yellow card for Peter Costa and Rodrigues.
Goalkeepers were also called into action with Subrata Paul moving in anticipation as the ball bounced near David Trezeguet, whose overhead kick struck the crossbar. Belardi at the other end reacted to a diving header at the right post from Nadong Bhutia by palming the ball away.
Ralte followed up a cut-back from the right with a first-timer, only to see the Pune goalkeeper reacte quickly for the change in angle.
Moritz then rattled the defence with his second strike, this time coolly tapping in off a flag kick. Subhash Singh took his bow with a surging run through the middle, evading his marker and slotting past the onrushing Belardi.
The result: Mumbai City FC 5 (Andre Moritz 12, 27, 71, Subhash Singh 36, Johan Letzelter 85) bt FC Pune City 0.
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