Copenhagen victorious against Hamburg

20/02 2012 20:47

The FC Copenhagen squad travelled to Hamburg at the weekend for a friendly match against Hamburger SV, ahead of the Superliga recommencing in March.

by Joe Short

The game was held behind closed doors in the Imtech Arena, Hamburg, on Monday afternoon. Head coach Carsten V. Jensen used all 20 of his travelling squad for the tie, in an effort to sharpen match fitness since the team returned from La Manga a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile HSV – who lost 3-1 at the weekend to rivals Werder Bremen – fielded a strong team to meet their Danish opponents. Two Scandinavians were present in Norwegian midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred and Swedish striker Marcus Berg. There were also two former Chelsea FC talents in the ranks in Michael Mancienne and Jeffrey Bruma.

Diouf fires FCK in front

FCK dominated the early proceedings and took the lead in the 15th minute through Pape Pate Diouf, who finished neatly after determined work by César Santin. However, HSV soon equalised when Gojko Kacar finished off a well-worked corner kick.

CV made nine changes at half time, with Claudemir and Sölvi Ottesen the only two remaining players for the restart.

Minutes after the hour mark Muhamed Besic gave HSV the lead: the Bosnian midfielder beating Johan Wiland in the Copenhagen goal from distance. However, three minutes later than the scores were back level again when Morten Nordstrand fired in a fierce effort from range.

Composed Nordstrand secures victory

With the clock ticking down it appeared as though the game would end in a draw, until neat, quick work from Christian Grindheim, Pierre Bengtsson and Claudemir suddenly put Nordstrand through one-on-one with the HSV goalkeeper. Nordstrand beat the on-rushing keeper to seal a hard-fought 3-2 victory for FCK.

Copenhagen’s final friendly game will be held in PARKEN against IF Elfsborg this Saturday. Kick off is 13:00 Danish time and tickets are available at the club shop.

HAMBURGER SV: 2 FC COPENHAGEN: 3

GOALS: Diouf (15'), Kacar, HSV (30'), Besic, HSV (65'), Nordstrand (68'), Nordstrand (82').