Viva put up an excellent performance to defeat I-league leaders Dempo.  Dempo have been the most successful club in India over the last few years and have facilities and budget far in excess of Viva's but could not match the hard work and determination of the Kerala boys.  At the final whistle Dempo coach, Armando Colaco launched a foul mouthed tirade at the referee for not adding more injury time.  The truth was that in 90 minutes Dempo hardly created a clear scoring chance and the closest they came was curling free kick from Beto that Viva Keeper Sharat saved superbly at full stretch.  Had more injury time been added Armando would have been more likely to see his side concede a second than find an equliser as Viva looked so dangerous on the break.

 

 

Rueben Sanyo has been compared to EPL striker Emile Heskey for his dismal goal scoring record, however, EPL fans will know that to complete the comparison Rueben is extremely hard working and weighs in with the odd important goal.  Rueben terrorised the Dempo defence who had no answer for his pace and power.  His ability to hold the ball up relieved the pressure on the defence and today he cleverly brought other players into the Viva attacks.  Rueben still suffers from his wild shooting that was the only flaw in an otherwise brilliant and match winning performance.
The Dempo coach was not the only one dissatisfied with the refereeing performance and when both sides are unhappy it generally means the ref has had a bad day.  Early on in the match Rueben went down under a challenge and was clearly kicked deliberately and firmly in the back by the Dempo left back.  The referee's view might have been blocked but the assisstant must have seen this but incredibly, no action was taken.  In the immediate aftermath Sisupalan became involved in what the English would describe as a 'handbags' incident with several Dempo players but the whole affair raised the temperature of a very competitive match. 
It was difficult to keep track of who was playing where as there were several substitutions and positional changes as Coach Sreedharan and his shrewd assisstant successfully plotted this win.  Stand in captain C.Sirajudeen started off playing mid-half, making his penetrative dribbles through the centre of the Dempo defence.  After Viva took the lead, the more robust Rahul came into the middle with Siraj playing second striker and substitute Nishad on for the injured Anish, on the left.  These changes made Viva tough to break down despite Dempo's long spells of posession. 
Nishad came on shortly before half time and had an immediate impact by hooking the ball across to Rueben who scored the only goal of the game. 
Viva had been here before.  At half time in Goa, Viva led Dempo by the same scorline but Dempo scored 3 late goals to take all 3 points.  This time Viva learned from their mistakes and marked Indian superstar, Chhetri tightly when he came deep received the ball.  Dempo brought on another legend, Brazilian, Beto but both Chhetri and Beto were shackled by Rahul and Patrick in the midfield and dominated by Charles and Bello in the defence.   

 

 

Climax Lawrence will hope PIO Sisupalan does not apply for an Indian passport as on todays performance, the Viva player looked more worthy of a place in the Indian national team, playing with more aggression and an inexhaustible work rate.  Sisupalan had a good chance to finish Dempo off in one of Viva's dangerous raids on the fragile Dempo defence but when he latched onto Rueben's clever throughball, a moments hesitation allowed Anwar to block the goalbound drive.
On the right hand side Viva veteranand pin up boy, P.Sajesh, played a rare 90 minutes with class and determination, as did wing backs VV Surjith and Noushad.  In goal Sharat surprisingly kept his place after last weeks shocking error but showed great chracter to produce an excellent performance on the rare occasions he was involved.

Viva fans were overjoyed and man-of-the-match, Rueben Sanyo and Captain, MP Sakeer handed out Viva jerseys to the celebrating fans.

Since the Federation cup Viva have gained 14points from 8 games and have shown they are capable of beating anyone, not just the weaker teams.  On a cautionary note: the Viva bench contained 2 goalkeepers and Karma who still has stitches on his eyebrow.  Also CS Sabeeth who will finally make his comeback soon!  Viva have been very lucky with injuries but if this changes; Viva will find it difficult to maintain their impressive form.

 

Viva: Sharath - Noushad, Charles, Bello, Surjith - Sajesh, Patrick, Rahul, Siraj  (Marsook) - Reuben, Anish (Nishad (Amarwant)).