Nikolaî 2 - 4 Viking61-FC (385894539)

Clear skies welcomed the 20472 spectators who had made their way to stadio Nikolaî. Arvid V. Thomasson was the appointed referee. Nikolaî had chosen a strategic 3-5-2 formation. Starters: Sallinen - Puntti, Lima Bueno, Messineo - Gressier, Lac, Klimiček, Vix, Simion - Vocale, Labussière.

Viking61-FC decided to use a 3-5-2 set up. The following players had been chosen: Mingelen - Minev, Maccarone, Karer - Knutsson, Souliopoulos, Guey, Espelid, Decker - Onkelinx, Espinosa.

A well placed corner kick from X. Espinosa was followed by A. Espelid's hard but accurate header. The well executed routine resulted in a goal for Viking61-FC, the score now 0 - 1. With 13 minutes played, a quick exchange of passes on the left wing freed D. Decker of Viking61-FC to slip through the defence and score another goal for the visitors. That made the score 0 - 2. With 15 minutes played, A. Espelid nearly put the visitors another one up as he broke through in the middle and fired from just outside the box, but his shot passed just over the bar. After 21 minutes a combination in the middle resulted in a through ball for A. Knutsson who increased Viking61-FC's lead to 0 - 3. Nikolaî's J. Labussière found himself alone on the left side 37 minutes into the match and laid down a perfect shot - right into the arms of the keeper! A drive down the left side allowed A. Knutsson to get in close and score another goal for Viking61-FC after 39 minutes, taking the score to 0 - 4. By now, the players in Viking61-FC felt that victory was guaranteed and began to play it safe, focusing on defence and not risking too much going forward. 41 minutes had been played and the home team was awarded a penalty. The guests' keeper dived the right way, but M. Messineo was still able to reduce the score to 1 - 4. Halftime score was 1 - 4. Possession in this half belonged to Nikolaî, who controlled the ball 56 percent of the time.

Nikolaî supporters cheered as good work down the right got the ball to S. Vocale who reduced the visitors' lead after 48 minutes to 2 - 4. The home side worked their way through the middle and almost got one back when L. Lima Bueno tried to sneak the ball past the keeper. W. Mingelen was too alert for that! The Nikolaî players listened closely to their manager, as he gave new tactical instructions for the team. Unhappy with the result so far in the game, the Nikolaî manager used a brief break in play after 60 minutes to give the players new directives. D. Decker left the field with a smile on his face as he was substituted 64 minutes into the game, as his team was in the lead. A. Žárský was the replacement. Content with how the game was proceeding, the Viking61-FC coach let L. Plummer replace G. Karer after 74 minutes. Nikolaî enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 54 percent of possession.

Nikolaî's top performer was clearly N. Vix. On the other hand, S. Sallinen's play was disheartening. X. Espinosa performed admirably for Viking61-FC. W. Mingelen was a disappointment, however. The match ends 2 - 4.