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

• DF Takahiro Kawabata
• DF Phillip Von Pein
• MD Quirin Regensburger
• -- Alex Zuegel
• -- Jaime Astrain Aguado
• -- Michael Klemm
• -- Bastian Wolff
• -- Teo Premto
• -- Thommy Lim
• -- Jan Wiechmann
• -- Robert Wieseckl

• DF Steffen Schacher
• ST Oscar Moreno
• -- Juergen Stich
• -- Fumiaki OGURO
• -- Florian Gädke

CAMPEONES!!!

The much anticipated plate cup final was finally upon us and the team did all it could to be 100% prepared, including a pre-final stint in Bali to boost the morale and team spirit. Faced with a 2:30 pm kick-off in scorching heat, we knew it would be a tall order against a superb Vikings team who had - deservedly - beaten us twice this season. However, while Vikings looked somewhat depleted, GAS started off with one of the strongest squad in years. At the heart of our midfield, we welcomed our new signing and wonderboy from Andalucia, Jaime. First minutes into the game, and GAS in total control and with clear majority of possession. Midfield shifted around well and the ball was caressed neatly by the likes of Basti, Jan, Jaime and Quirin. After only 10 minutes or so, a nice combination found Quirin on the right, who unlocked his signature move, dancing passed the central defender on the right and slotting the ball in the far left corner, no chance for the keeper. GAS continued to put pressure on Vikings and after a failed first shot on goal, our everyone’s new BFF Jaime curled the returning ball back into the top left corner. 2:0 and GAS looked more comfortable than ever before. For some reason, sloppiness now creeped in a little and GAS stopped playing simple passes, giving away possession too easily and also wasting numerous chances. However, Vikings couldn’t capitalise on it and - as far as I remember - did not have any clear chance or shot on goal…which also meant that Thommy had no chance to shine or get booked for becoming too intimate with his opponents. Second half and GAS continued with keeping possession while creating a number of chances but none of them were converted, including an absolute sitter by Micha, a carbon copy of Gomez’ blunder against Austria in 2008. This meant there was always something in it for Vikings but while the Danes still could not find their way through to Thommy, Jaime decided it was time to take matters in his own hands and finished the game off with some cute footwork and clinical finish, leaving the keeper dazzled just from watching. The groupie studded bench of GAS now screamed their guts out and demanded the introduction of our second latino and former anorexic tennis player Oscarito Moreno. The coach listened and brought on the high profile left winger who combined well with Jaime right from the start. Soon after news came out that Oscar had not only overcome anorexia after a long fight, but also had grown from 1.58 to 1.8 meters after joining GAS, it was only a matter of time until one of the many crosses intended for our Columbian helicopter finally found his forehead, only to bounce back over the keeper to make it 4:0. Again, no chance for the keeper, a beautiful and well intended goal, and a mix of awe, disbelief and strange laughter from the GAS bench… It should be noted that Vikings never gave up and worked their socks off to at least make the result look better but apart from a disputable handball in the penalty box, no real threat to the German goal was noted. 4:0 in the end, finally some proper silverware again since 2008 and the party continued from a few innocent beers on Dempsey to Pipo’s Alfresco bar, Wine connection, Brotzeit, TBC and Orchard Towers…well done guys, something to be proud of! Coming back to football matters, great end to the season and looking forward to an even better one next year. MOM could be Alex for his impeccable performance in defence but eventually goes to Jaime for his two goals in his debut and his picture-book BBQ thighs which just about gave him the edge over Alex. Apart from that, a fantastic team performance. MOM for Vikings to their captain who showed some exemplary work rate and was all over the pitch. Thanks to Vikings also for an extremely fair game, congrats to your great season and looking forward to the next encounter.

• Peter Boe DF
• Christian Laurenborg --
• Jonas Kaasing Rasmussen --
• Martin Just --
• Jesper Meincke Nielsen --
• Thomas Elbo Andersen --
• Karl Martin Nygaard --
• Brian Spietkitz --
• Jesper Brandborg --
• Leslie Andersen --
• Jacob Lindved --

• Thomas Sorensen --
• Alexander Broun --
• Niels Klarskov --

Vikings on Holiday

Vikings went into the plate final fairly determined to grab the trophy and end a successful season on a high. It was a blistering heat at Dempsey and we really struggled in those conditions during the first half. Germans were the better team and were combining well with especially their no. 11 in midfield pulling the strings. We improved towards the end of the half, however Germans deservedly went into the break with a 2-0 lead. We made a few half time changes to get back into the game & we did start much better in the 2nd half. Martin Just had a double chance on a corner, while Leslie was released for a one-on-one- but the angle got a bit difficult in the end. While we did better, Germans continued their good play and to be fair created 3-4 huge chances in the first 30 mins of 2nd Half. Jesper So in goal did well to deny them, while Klemm had a few field goal conversions from inside the box. Germans eventually scored another 2 goals to claim the plate trophy with a 4-0 win. Full deserved victory & congrats. We were disappointed with our performance today, where both desire and quality was lacking. Time for a much needed season break. Vikings & Germans enjoy your holidays !! MOM Germans – No. 11 MOM Vikings- Jesper Brandborg