Shanghai Lions FC

Because it has rained all the morning, the pitch was full of water. A "normal" referee would have reported the game. Among Les Bleus, some wanted to play, some not because of the risk of bad injuries and also it is not particularly our advantage to play physical opponents under those conditions. The problem is that Vikings wanted to play, we couldn't afford the risk of a forfeit ! Then, after this undecided moment of pre-match, it was clear to go for it and we wanted to win it of course !
The centre of the pitch was a nice swimming pool, we started to play in the half side where there was some little lakes near our goalkeeper Edu. Actually, it was an advantage because these lakes are sort of water defenders who prevent opponents to shoot well the ball. The playing style was very special, sort of "wet kick and rush", even Real Madrid would have played a bit like us maybe :))
We adapted well to the conditions and had fighting spirit, we put pressure on them by camping on their field (corners and free kicks). A nice pass from Greg to David, he's seen Jerome on the right, gave him the ball. Jerome alone shot the ball but the goalkeeper deviated it. It was a real warning that a goal may come soon for Les Bleus .... It didn't wait a long time. Free kick won by Olivier, Jerome tried his chance and it was in the frame but the goalkeeper pushed it away. Unlucky for him, it bounced back in Vincent's feet who didn't miss the chance by a raging tackle strike !! Bleus were leading 1-0 and it was entirely deserved ! 10 mn to go and nothing special happened.

2nd half time.
We knew it will be hard because we will have the "bad' half side of the pitch. The first 20 mn were indeed very tough for Les Bleus because it was the reverse this time : Vikings put lots of pressure. Among Les Bleus, we were all talking too much (repositioning and remotivating), it was a bit of noisy mess but at least it showed that everybody was very concerned by the game. Sometimes there have been some mistakes (almost own goal by Michel by a nice missing kick), sometimes bit of luck (ball hit the post) but we resisted during that time. After that orage period, we created 2 big chances : own superb rush by Greg and Jerome's duel. Both chose to shoot and "little defending lakes" stop them :)). Though those 2 opportunities to kill the game, we were confident but still relieved at final whistle.
For the first time, we succeeded to preserve a score 1-0 and the recipe has been a bit of luck but above all : lots of solidarity, collective mental strength and will to win the game. Let's start our series of victories !

Final score : Les Bleus 1 - Vikings 0