A-Liga: FC Nordsjælland got a disappointing start to the new season at home vs OB
The A-Liga started this weekend, which means the best teams in the Danish league will now fight for the title. Today FC Nordsjælland started the season at home at Right to Dream Park against OB.
Last season FC Nordsjælland finished fourth in the championship play-off, while OB after a disappointing autumn had to play in the relegation play-off group. Both teams have lost several players, and just added a few new signings. FCN were without a couple of key players, as they participate with their countries in the African Cup of Nations.
The home-team went close to score after just a few minutes. After a great attack down the right hand side from Flora Kopp Højer and Astrid Engsig-Karup, the ball ended with Alberte Mott who had taken a great run from midfield, but her shot went just wide.
In the first 45 minutes FC Nordsjælland was more or less in control all the time. OB was compact and defending well, and when they got the ball they tried to go on a quick counter-attack. Mille Bech went close to target with a good shot from outside the box halfway through the first half.
In general FC Nordsjælland played too slow in the first half, and therefore didn’t get the OB defenders out of position. Usually Thea Petersen and Flora Kopp Højer are some of the best technical players with lots of flair and attacking skills. But today neither of them showed this.
The same could be said about captain Karen Linnebjerg, who had too many touches on the ball today and had some poor passes forward. Not the usual dominating performances from her.
Mille Bech then scored a superb freekick after 38 minutes, when she smashed the ball into the corner. The freekick was won by Frøya Stubgaard, who turned excellent with the ball and were brought down just outside the FCN penalty area.
FCN tried to change things a bit at half time, with a couple of substitutions and new energy. But it didn’t really help, as they still played too slow, had lots of simple passing mistakes and didn’t really have any speed and movement in their play. They didn’t create any big chances, and the OB defenders worked hard but were never really tested by the FCN attackers.
OB kept defending well, and FCN just couldn’t find their usual fast attacking flow. So even though FCN were huge favorites before the match, it was OB who got all three points in the opener.
Players who really stood out this match:
Astrid Engsig-Karup (FCN) right-back born 2009.
A modern full-back with a great attacking mind. Might not be so tall and strong, but has an amazing football brain, great speed and has a very good eye for picking the right passes. Not afraid to join in attack, and was involved in several good attacks and chances for FC Nordsjælland. She has already been involved for more than a year around the first team, and will be ready for the next step soon.
Frøya Stubgaard (OB), attacking midfielder born 2009.
Joined OB in the winter from FC Nordsjælland. Great technical player, good passing and works hard with and without the ball. Will be exciting to follow in matches where OB will have more possession and attacking opportunities.
Ida Olsen (OB), centre-back, born 2001.
Joined OB this summer from FC Midtjylland. Did a superb job in central defense today. Cleared the ball lots of times, very well positioned most of the game and organized the backline for the visitors today.
