Shanghai Lions FC

Saturday, November 1st 2003. Tianma soccer pitch.

Perfect conditions for soccer that day. Sun, good temperature, two motivated players, and beers to keep the reporters motivated too! And so players did not wait long to get into the game. First minute and French launched their first attacks, easy ball for the keeper. Two minutes later, Vikings shot a free kick from the left side, lobed the defence, and on the second post, Vikings' forward could easily control and score. Les Bleus are already one down, and supporters fear the nightmare's coming. However, the team did not give up. Well organized in midfield, serene in defence, the ball was mainly Bleus for the remaining of the first half. But efforts did not seem to pay, and time passed. Happily, one minute before half-time, a long ball was nicely deflected by Amer with a header, Gregory controlled it swiftly, and won his duel with the keeper. A deserved 1-1 at half-time.

The start of the second half was similar to the first. Les Bleus dominated the midfield and pushed to take the lead. As the game reached the hour mark, Amer outflanked the red defence on the left, and sent a good cross. Jerome was there to head it in. 2-1 Les Bleus. But Vikings were still fighting. A long ball found their forward just behind the offside line. He rushed to the keeper, but Willy kept the ball out thanks to a nice reflex. Minutes later, he had to punch a high corner kick. Vikings were pushing, and the players were getting nervous. On another corner, a red falled in the box, the referee showed the penalty spot. The forward took his time, shot... and Willy was there again to save the day. The ball was finally kicked out. A few minutes later, Les Bleus counter-attacked. The ball moved to the right to Adrien, who fought his way to the goal line, and crossed. A little too high for Bertrand, but it reached the second post, were Jerome calmly volleyed it in the net. 3-1 Les Bleus!!

Comments: finally, the first win of the season. Everybody had a serious game. Adrien was named player of the day, but with no offence to his good game, I'd wish to address a big congratulations to Willy who saved the day during the 20 minutes when our team was under pressure. It's good now, three points make us move up three position in the league table. All we have to do now is confirm!