Famous Demolition of Diamond in 1997

In the year 1997, Federation Cup Semifinal, 13th July at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, East Bengal demolished arch rivals Mohun Bagan. Before this match, all the Football followers almost drew the picture of a Mohun Bangan victory in their mind, following their tremendous form in the season. On their road to the semis Mohun Bagan thrashed Vasco 6-0 and other teams by somewhat same margins, with a new system, 3-2-3-2 termed as Diamond, introduced by their coach Amal Dutta. The famous P.K. Banerjee – Amal Dutta rivalry attracted 1 lakh 31 thousands spectator to the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on 13th evening. The match had so much impact in the nation that the Broadcast Ministry was compelled to broadcast the match LIVE on Doordarshan. But since the announcement was too late, it resulted a record attendance in the History of World Football in a Match comprising of 2 Club teams. That too in a weekday, i.e. working day. Bhaichung scored the first hat-trick of derby.

Compiled by: Rajarshi Ghosh