Viva made a nervous start to their I League opener against Churchill Brothers who dominated the early possession.  Coach Sreedharan had set up his side to contain Churchill, particularly Odafa with Patrick assigned the unenviable task of man marking the most prolific striker in Indian football.  Churchill took the lead early on when a corner fell to an unmarked Vashum whose header passed through a crowded box and beat Shahin Lal.

Viva then started to compete a bit more but after Viva appeals for a free kick in midfield were turned down Odafa managed to squeeze a shot past Shahin Lal.  

Viva got better as the half progressed and created some chances but were unable to capitalise.

With 2 minutes before half time Odafa inexplicably lashed out at Charles when going for a header and was sent straight off.  He unsportingly protested excessively before dawdling off.  There was just enough time for M.P Sakeer to smash a shot past Thapa, in goal for Churchill but it was just an in outside the post.

Viva took advantage of being a man up and switched to 4-4-2 as Karma was sacrificed for makeshift striker Anish.  

Viva pressed from the start of the second half but Churchill broke quickly from a corner and a golden chance fell to Japanese midfielder Dan Ito.  Just 6 yards out Ito smashed his shot goalwards but Shahin Lal made an unbelievable point blank save to keep Viva in the game.

This was the only attack of note that Churchill made in the second half as Viva completely dominated possession, launching attack after attack.  Tactically Churchill were just trying to hold their lead packing their defensive third with players and stifling most of Viva's attacking play.  Viva were still able to create more than enough chances to draw level but poor finishing let them down.  Viva managed to carve out one nice chance for Reuben but a Churchill defender deliberately handled the ball just outside the box diminishing Churchill to 9 men for the final few minutes.  Had one goal been scored it would have been an exciting finish but Churchill held out and took all 3 points.

 

Viva: Shahinlal - Noushad, Bello, Charles, Surjith - Patrick (Amarwant), Rahul - Siraj, Sakeer, Karma (Anish) - Reuben. 

Positives