The week began with good news from FCK’s reserve team, who beat Lyngby Boldklub 2-1 in their final competitive match before the winter break. The team ended the autumn season without loss, notching up 22 points in ten games.
by Joe Short
Morten Nordstrand gave Copenhagen the lead against Lyngby from the penalty spot, after Søren Frederiksen was fouled in the area. Frederiksen added a second soon after on 72 minutes; and while Lyngby managed to claim a goal back four minutes later, the Lions reserves held on to secure their unbeaten league status that reflects the achievements of the first team squad this autumn.
This incredible record Sports Director Carsten V. Jensen discussed on Friday, in preparation for FCK’s last Superliga game before Christmas at home to Esbjerg fB:
- With three points against Esbjerg fB, we will have impressively walked through the autumn season unbeaten, which no Danish team in the Superliga has done before. It shows great class and we will not ignore the fact that it's been a fantastic autumn for the city's club. Even in matches where it has been difficult, we’ve managed to come back and it is an expression of great faith in our own ability and strong mental strength that we can do this.
Jensen also expressed his thanks for the fantastic backing of the Lions fans over the autumn season, gratitude reflected in the club’s decision to offer entry to the Esbjerg match at only 20 DKK per person:
- We are pleased to invite everyone into the park for Saturday's game for just 20 DKK. An early Christmas gift as a thank you for all the support we have seen this autumn. This support has undoubtedly been a contributory factor for our achievements, especially on home soil both nationally and in Europe.
Pedersen: - such a strong Danish team ever than FCK
Friday’s edition of Lion Hour held an interview with Esbjerg coach Ove Pedersen, where he discussed the performances of William Kvist and FCK as a whole:
- It's really strange that he (Kvist) is not yet a key figure for the Danish national team, especially with the performances he has made internationally and nationally for FC Copenhagen.
- I cannot recall there being such a strong Danish team ever than FCK. Now I've seen them a few times, for example the match against Horsens, where they won 4-0 at home. Horsens took over the game and had most chances at goal, but FC Copenhagen had an off day and still won 4-0.
Nordstrand and Santin join the ‘hundred club’
And so on Saturday a freezing cold PARKEN hosted Copenhagen’s last Superliga game, and what a match it turned out to be. Before kick off both Nordstrand and Cesar Santin received flowers to commemorate their respective 100 appearances for the club. As for the match itself, both sides looked threatening in the opening frays, but neither could penetrate well-drilled defensive lines until the 18th minute, when Dame N’Doye rose to meet a corner and head low into the net.
The striker – who had missed his first Superliga match of the season last week due to a groin injury – looked impressive and strong, as he acted as target man during any FCK attack. Indeed he set up the second goal after dropping deep to pick up a forward ball. The Senegalese spread wide to Zdenek Pospech who fought his way into the Esbjerg box and struck a hard shot underneath the goalkeeper for 2-0.
Esbjerg claimed a goal back in the second half due to a defensive mix-up between Sölvi Ottesen and Mikael Antonsson, but with two minutes remaining N’Doye once again proved why he is now joint top scorer in the league with another rising header – this time Pospech the provider.
Ståle: - it was appropriate that we won
A comfortable 3-1 victory in the end for head coach Ståle Solbakken, who reserved special praise for his in-form striker:
- We played a really good first half and quickly went ahead 2-0. We admittedly made a mistake at the start of the second half, and their goal made the game a bit more exciting. It ended however 3-1, and I think it was appropriate that we won the match by two goals.
- Dame N'Doye has been getting better and better, and he barely noticed his injury today. Therefore I think it was good that he got 90 minutes on the pitch, and he helped to ensure that we have a good head start before the match against Panathinaikos.
Ståle: - Vingaard is just a sissy
FCK were forced to make a double substitution before half time in the game, with Antonsson and Martin Vingaard coming off through injury. Solbakken gave the verdict of both players’ conditions:
- Antonsson, I am worried about because he has a sore chest and ribs. Today he fought from the first minute, but it hurt; and I am now worried for Tuesday's showdown against Panathinaikos. Martin Vingaard also left the pitch with an injury, but it doesn’t worry me. Vingaard is just a sissy, and he just wants to be completely ready for Tuesday, said Ståle with a sly grin.
Tuesday is of course the big focus for everyone concerned with the club, as FCK aim to progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. A win at PARKEN on Tuesday night will see the team through comfortably, but a draw or loss may also be enough, depending on how Rubin Kazan fare on their trip to Barcelona. Regardless of the result in Spain, Solbakken will no doubt be looking for a final resounding send off to celebrate a superb first half of the season for the Lions.
