Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs German-Swiss All Stars

• DF Henrik Synnes
• DF Magnus Walling Hansen
• MD Casper Toennesen
• -- Michael Dragsbaek
• -- Marius Haavark
• -- Peter Boe
• -- Jonas Groenbech
• -- Thomas Elbo Andersen
• -- Kasper Due Andersen
• -- Bart de Visser
• -- Andreas Hoffmann

• -- Peter Rasmussen
• -- Jason Thomas
• -- Karl Martin Nygaard
• -- Mark James Raven

A tale of two halves

This was a real Jekyll & Hyde performance by the Vikings, our opponents completely dominated the first 45 min of the game and were deservedly up 2-0 at the half time break courtesy of a penalty and a well taken free kick. Our German and Swiss counterparts bossed the midfield and looked a threat whenever they pressed forward, Vikings were restricted to a number of humble chances that came to very little. The baking heat played it's part as the first half came to a close. Stiff words were spoken and a revisiting of what it meant to be a Viking were uttered, this seemed to stoke the fire and a much different team turned out for the second period. Within moments of the restart it was clear to see that the men in red would not go down without a fight. Vikings won a number of set pieces and it was only a matter of time before Henrik would get on the end of one, he duly responded with a thumping header from a pinpoint Jonas corner to reduce the deficit. Vikings were in the ascendancy and continued to commit a number of men forward in search of the equaliser, knowing full well that the precision passing of their opponent might open them up at any time.The attacks swayed backwards and forwards and a fine save by GSAS keeper in the final minutes of the game denied Vikings the draw. On reflection GSAS deserved their win but Vikings can take heart from an extremely spirited second half performance. Thank you to the referee and his assistants for officiating and to GSAS for the challenging but fair game - we wish them well for the season and look forward to meeting them again later in the campaign. Raven

• Marius Teich DF
• Hamza Ben Naceur Gharfane MD
• Diyar Mailepessov ST
• Victor Walz --
• Teo Premto --
• Florian Gädke --
• Jan Wiechmann --
• Bastian Keller --
• Joe Giani --
• Heinz Braegger --
• Bastian Wolff --

• Takahiro Kawabata DF
• Michael Klemm ST
• Phillip Von Pein --
• Benny Sattelmaier --

Still Perfect Record for GSAS

The second game of the season saw Victor as captain and Basti W returning to the squad and with Marius from the start the only changes in the starting line-up that won the season opener last week. GSAS aimed to confirm their good form with another positive result against the Vikings. Vikings started strong putting pressure on a well organised GSAS defence, with Flo and Teo controlling the centre and Marius and Heinz closing the wings. Vikings created some good opportunities initially but GSAS progressively took control of the game in the midfield with Jan and Basti K keeping possession and delivering sharp and dangerous passes to the flanks. The GSAS started being more incisive with good work from Di and Hamza creating spaces up front with more dangers coming from set pieces. A foul on a Di’s acceleration just inside the box area gave the GSAS a spot kick, which was converted by Victor. GSAS kept pressure on the Vikings and soon after, Basti K curled in a brilliant free kick from the left to bring the score to 2-0. The remaining minutes of the first half didn’t see major dangers for the GSAS, except for the long ranges throw-ins, which kept the GSAS defence on the edge. The second half started well for the GSAS with some good opportunities, which were not capitalised. However, a lapse in concentration from a corner kick put the Vikings back into the game with a well-placed header. The game became more intense with the Vikings mounting pressure on the GSAS in search of the equaliser. GSAS with good team spirit still managed to hold off the dangerous Vikings’ attacks and long balls with a solid defensive work and tireless efforts in the midfield. As fatigue sunk in, substitutions started, Pipo for Heinz, Taka for Marius, Benny and Micha for Hamza and Basti W. GSAS still had some good changes on the counter attack to close the game but they were stopped by the Vikings’ keeper. A late chance for the Vikings to level the result came with a deep pass that left GSAS defence wide open, the close-range effort by Vikings’ striker was deflected in corner by Joe. GSAS managed to hold on to the result until the final whistle, earning them the 3 points and maintain a perfect start of the season. All in all, great performance by the team with good team spirit to maintain the result in a hard fought game.