Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs Olympique Gaulois Singapore

• DF Matthias Berthelsen
• MD Magnus Walling Hansen
• MD Thomas Domino Andersen
• MD Casper Toennesen
• MD Tjalfe Paulsen
• MD Jan Mariboe Neilsen
• MD Tomas Dubsky
• ST Ales Melechovsky
• -- Michael Dragsbaek
• -- Jules Busser
• -- Mark Van Dalen

• DF Henrik Synnes
• -- Maahin Bose
• -- Andreas Hoffmann
• -- Leslie Andersen

Commanding Comeback!

Vikings opened up their new season with a commanding performance which saw them defeat last years cup winners 4-2. OG had a wealth of talent on show and marched into a two goal lead, courtesy of two penalties dispatched by goal getter Kiki, inside the first 25 min. The first resulted after we gave away a cheap free kick down by our left corner flag - the delivery that followed saw Tomas attempt a high footed clearance but instead made contact with the head of a French attacker. The second, moments after the water break, was like something out of a WWF tag team match - two heavyweight superstars tangled in dramatic fashion as the ball was rolling harmlessly out of play; the ref decided on a second penalty. The first 20 min of the game had been a battle of wills and there was nothing to choose between the two teams; Vikings created a number of openings and OG won a couple of corners. To find ourselves two down, having started so positively, felt a little undeserved. I think that it would be fair to say that after the first half an hour Vikings took the game by the scruff of the neck and increasingly controlled the game. Just before half time Domino was presented with a free kick 35 yards out, with absolute precision and power he unleashed a vicious shot which flew into the top left hand corner. The whistle sounded for the break and our tails were up. The third quarter saw Vikings pose numerous problems for their counterparts in blue, chance after chance came our way but a combination of unfortunate finishing and some timely tackles meant that we were still behind. Meli was finally rewarded for his continuous hard work when he got on the end of a pinpoint corner and his looping header went beyond the keeper. The scores were level and it certainly felt that we would go on to take the points. OG had some moments of possession but too often their final ball failed to pose any real problems. Meli got his second when he wriggled clear and rounded the keeper and his treble was complete in the final moments when he did a similar trick down the left flank before cutting in and hammering into the net. Just before the decisive fourth Drags produced a one handed save to deny the scores being leveled. The final whistle was met with loud cheers as our efforts and desire to be winners had been rewarded with our first three points. Thanks to OG for a tough game, they will certainly feature heavily in this years campaign and will definitely pose teams problems with their quick and controlled play. Thanks too to the officials. For Vikings, we need to remember how and why we won this game and make sure we replicate it consistently this season. The whole team gave everything and it felt great sitting together at the end knowing we had achieved our goal. Onto the reigning champions next week!

• Enrique Sanchez MD
• Ifan Michaud MD
• Adrien Dambre --
• Hugo Tauler --
• Remi Tache --
• Juan Jose Varela Navalon --
• Fabrice Nachbaum --
• Marc Sans --
• Anthony Hernandez --
• Mathieu Debrand --
• Bertrand Mametz --

• Thomas Burg --
• Medhi Deliba --
• Jorge Garcia --

Opening game hangover tradition

OG kept his opening game hangover tradition alive. As always a disappointed display during our first game of the season leading not at the standard we wish we can perform. We could find many excuses, many players aways, last min call to get a keeper, poor coaching decision, massive mix up with the rolling subs tactic but ultimately we were just beaten by a much more athletic and organized Vickings side that completely dominated us in the 2nd half to overturn the first one. Game started quite well for OG that created the most dangerous chances. We took a 2-0 lead after 2 clear penalties, but Domino put the Danish side back on track from a wonderful rocket free kick from 30m. We opted for a 30min change to bring some new energy in the last 15min which seem to pay off as we had 2 clear chances via Remi to make it 3-1 but went to half time with the smallest margin possible. During half time we decided to make 2 additional changes to rest our 2 best players of the 1st half for the last 25min, to then realize that we had only 2 subs left and that 1 of them will not be able to come back in... Vickings changed their formation, brought fresh legs and more speed on the wings, and pressed a lot higher. Within 1min they could have leveled up but mother luck seemed to be on our side for the next 15min. It was just a series of long ball from us, retrieved by the Danish midfield, and then another attack and chance to score. We hold tight but then they scored from a free kick to find 2 alone Vikings guy in the second post for them to calmly head the ball in. Then minutes later as we seemed to find a breather, a lost ball high on the pitch, and within 1 pass Mele, found himself facing our keeper to make it 3-2. After 20min of total apnea, we made a few changes in the line up to try to find some composure. But too little too late. Vikings kept pressuring us high, limiting us to a few half chances when on their end they could have sealed the game a lot earlier. Kike had 2 chances to save the day, but ultimately in the dying minutes, they scored the killer goal to peacefully finish the game. OG could have some regrets based on the performance of the 1st half, but the 2nd half with a no-show from us meant that we stood no chance to stop our opening loose strike tradition. OG can only do better next week. Congrats to Vikings for a superb performance in the 2nd half.