On an eventful day, Bengaluru based Joga Bonito beat Delhi’s Goal Hunterz FC 2-0 in the finals of Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five India Qualifiers to book their ticket for the World finals in Qatar
Perhaps the indications were right there from the word go, when in their opening group game Joga Bonito (Bengaluru) defeated former India champions and their namesake – Joga Bonito (Indore).
The team of Karthik, Abhishek, John, Manoj, Nanda Kumar, Amose, and Anoop showcased some exceptional close-quarter passing skills and ball control to outclass their opponents. The Bengaluru side didn’t lose a single game throughout the competition.
Having played in I league Qualifiers and Santhosh Trophy, Joga Bonito players used their experience well to sweep the competition, where one loss would have seen them get knocked out. After a topping the group C table, where they beat former National champions from Indore and Jalandhar’s The Wolves outfit, Joga knocked off their Quarterfinal opponents Mumbai’s Ink India with a blazing 4-0 win. This was followed by another clinical 3-0 performance in the last four against the Black and Whites of Cochin.
In the final, after a couple of back and forths, Joga Bonita (Bengaluru) scored two quick goals. Despite Delhi’s Goal Hunterz FC trying hard to make a comeback, Joga showed exceptional calmness to withstand the challenge and go home with the title.
Karthik who has represented ARA FC in I league Qualifiers, shared his happiness after his team won the title, “It was a great feeling to win an all India competition against teams from throughout the country. RedBull Neymar Jr’s Five offers one of the biggest opportunities to play Five-a-side games. It’s a proud moment that we have won this competition and will represent India in Qatar.”
Joga Bonito (Bengaluru) along with Kalina Rangers (2021 champions) will now represent India in the Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five–World finals which will be held in Qatar around the month of July. The teams will also have an opportunity to meet Brazilian superstar Neymar during the competition. Joga Bonito players are not shying away from their excitement to meet the legend, “Yes, the squad is quite excited about the Qatar trip to meet Neymar.” concluded Karthik.
