matchreport - 27-Feb-10 - hollandse v. gaulois
Team Hollandse
Author Partick Pieket Weeserik
line up
Lim, Vd Merwe, Busser, Aarnoudse, Van Zadelhoff, Huisman, Jansma (Flierman), Ollie, Neuteboom, Schuilwerve, Baren 
Dutch victory brings them out of relegation zone
After a handful of good games in previous weeks confidence was high amongst the Orange Lions. However a mid-week reality check made sure that the team wasn't walking on clouds for the match against the Olympique Gaulois. 

Kick off was at 3pm at an immaculate SJI and soon enough the Dutch took the upperhand of the game. Although there were some chances for Les Bleus as well, which were mainly corners, the best chances were for the Dutch. One such chance was converted after ten minutes; a razorsharp counter over many discs gave Ard the opportunity to deliver a stabbie to Frank who laid the French goalkeeper in the lures and slotted it home easily: 1-0. A second goal followed 15 minutes later; another well-executed attack was converted by Ard lobbing the keeper. Half time came with 2-0 on the scoreboard. 

Second half brought a different picture. As I wrote a few weeks back: the psychology of football tells us that the team leading the game often ends up being under pressure by the team that's chasing for the come-back. Under the inspiring control of Philip in midfield the Dutch fought hard for every inch of the pitch. However, after 30 minutes into the second half the Dutch defense finally had to surrender as the French were able to score their first of the match: 2-1. With 15 minutes to go the match was open again. Then, 5 minutes before the end it was a mistimed ball in the French defense that enabled Daniel to deliver the decisive blow. FT: 3-1. 

A good win and three necessary points for the Dutch. With yet two more games played but seven points more in the pocket than the French, it seems like the Dutch have played themselves save from the final spot of the ranking. Man-of-the-Match is Philip, for his tireless battles in every corner of the pitch. Schlemiel-of-the-Match is Stephan, for once again having to leave the pitch with a severe muscle injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. Thanks to refs and French for making it a great game of football.  
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