transfer gossip is over, as the new cosmoleague season kicked off this weekend.
The Vikings managed to sign highly rated Naoki Fukushima on a free transfer to
bolster their attack and the “Danish tem” definitely believe to have a squad able to
compete for a top four spot.
of the season was against Rangers who always prove to be a tough opponent. Again
this year The Vikings are very confident on their own abilities and are eager
to improve on their 5th place finish from last season.
ambitions got a disappointing blow already in the season opener. Rangers proved
to be very good in their short passing and they kept possession for most of the
first half. The new constellation in midfield wasn’t able to close Rangers
down. It clearly showed that the vikings were missing all their so-called farmers
(holding midfielders). All their midfielders were simply too offensive minded,
which allowed Rangers to dictate play throughout the first half.
took the lead after a quick counter-attack and ended up scoring from a
deflection, which left the keeper Steven with no chance. Even though Rangers
was in possession must of the time, the Vikings managed to create a few
chances. Chris and Thomas had golden opportunities to level the match;
especially the penalty miss by Thomas was disappointing. Rangers didn’t have
many chances besides the goal and first half finished 0-1 Rangers.
made a few changes in the second half and forked Rasmus Saltofte the farmer
role in defensive midfield. This proved to be a much better formation, which
gave the visitors creative players more attacking freedom. The “Danish” team
started to play much better, but their passing game was nowhere near their best
standard.
golden opportunity on a breakaway, but his shot went wide. While The Vikings
were pushing on for an equalizer, Rangers scored the all-important 2nd goal. A
beautiful cross, followed by a back post header sealed the two-goal lead for
Rangers.
Singapore Vikings suddenly realised that the season had started and we began to
play more aggressive and actually won some tackles. They created several good
chances and we got our goal 15 min. from time when Morten hit a screamer from
30 meters. Great goal. From there it was all Vikings and they had several
chances to grab a point. Thomas even hit the crossbar in the dying minutes, but
the “Danes” didn’t get any closer than that and the game finished with a
disappointing 1-2 score line.
know that they can play much better and we’ll show that in the coming games,
especially when a few key players are expected to return to the squad.
Sat. 16
August: Cosmoleague, Rangers – Vikings FC
2 – 1 (1 – 0)
