A great victory for the Raiders

NEUBAUER AND SEGURA GIVE RAIDERS A RELEVANT VICTORY ON CORDILLERANA'S GROUND

Segura: "We've played a good game today. We've controlled it most of the time against an important team. We have to continue on this path."

Tripier arrives at Kattegat

Bienvenue, Tripier!

Pierre-Édouard Tripier is a French forward who comes from the Ligue II of Tanzania, and the estimated transfer  price was around 6.000.000 PYG.

The attack now is completed according to the demands of the German coach Harasser who was worried about the leave of former Raiders forward Dan Secelean who had had a great performance in the second hald of the last season.

Spoils of War

Maciel and Pizzi give Raiders their first three points in the league series

By Lena Franksdóttir, Aug 1st, 2022

Matchday 1 Season 62

Ekambuna: Liljebrant, Cuenca, Tellechea, Harperink, Rosenqvist, Villa Cano, Zerdzioch, Canavesi (2'), Fusillo, Careaga, Bernardes

Kattegat: Ocampos, Rogic, Sostegni, Habchi (Abdullat 60'), Meireles (Vingärd 27'), Neubauer, Tobeiner, Galbassini, Maciel (53'), Pizzi (63' 77'), Makkonen (Segura 64')

MVP: Pizzi (Kat)

Venue: Eju ape ekambu Stadium

Attendace: 61.543

Referee: Patrick Guebre (CIV)

Ekambuna's strategy, with a mixed-up team, consisted on concentrating on the flanks for their attacks, but Raiders' coach Harasser always has good plans to prevent their rivals actions. Counter-atacking seemed to be the preferred for Kattegat, so this was it. Kattegat, guided by a sparky Pizzi, Maciel and Makkonen mounted several counterattacks that punished Ekambuna's weak flanks, specially the left one.

But things did not start well for the Vikings, at the beginning of the game, the referee blew his whistle to award a controversial penalty to the home side. It was coolly slotted by Canavesi at the 2nd minute of the game.

Things got even worst for Kattegat when main central back Meireles was unable to continue due to a slight injury to his left knee and Vide Vingärd came in for the Mozambican defender.

Kattegat continued holding back and mounting counterattacks, but the action ended 1-0 for Ekambuna in the first half.

At the 53' everything started to go well for Kattegat, a free kick was both short and off target but it looked like a plan and the ball landed at the feet of Maciel who showed up absolutely unmarked in the box and scored the 1-1.

Ten minutes later, Pizzi, after a well-worked counterattack by Kattegat on the right, converted the 2-1. The home team fell into despair.

Harasser quickly moved the team and Alex Segura came in for Makkonen to form two solid lines of five players to shut the game down!

At the 77th Pizzi increased the visitor's lead by putting a volley away after a sweet pass from the right by Galbassini.

The match ended 3-1 for the Raiders. They took revenge as they fell 0-3 against Ekambuna in the last season in the 3rd round of Paraguay Cup.

"We knew this was going to be a tough match for us, they're a big team, they want to be back in the II division soon, but we were stronger in the game", affirmed Maciel.

German coach Harasser gave some words for KATTV after the game: "The plan we had was correctly executed. The guys had a wonderful performance. They always maintained the organization, cold mind and hot heart, and that's very important in this king of matches".

Meireles also spoke to the media: "It's a pitty. My first league game and I got off due to an injury, but I feel very glad for the team win. I'll get recovered soon, possibly for the next series game. I want to take part of the game at home with all our supporters there".

Raiders keep Carpies at bay

Raiders end up as vice-champions in a dramatic finish to the season

By Lena Franksdóttir July/10/2022

Matchday 14 - Season 61

Kattegat: Ocampos, Sostegni, Maciel, Neubauer (60'), Makkonen, Crosariol (37'), Tobeiner (57'), Segura (Galbassini 70') Pizzi (Bajac 38'), Secelean, Brune (Gedso 60')

Carpinchos: Moya. Muzyka, Albrektsen, Ahrnsen, Bolton (Escobar 70'), Dobos, Alves, Bertsch (55'), Ré, Terruzzi, Goy

MVP: Crosariol (Kat)

Venue: Hall of the Æsir

Attendance: 51.000

Referee: Leif-Göran Häger (Sweden)

It was a contest between two different styles, since the home team started the game looking for the control of the match in the midfield while the visitors instead opted for a strategy relying on their counter-attacks, but with three dangerous forwards ahead.

Harasser's plan just had an impact in the second half when the home side improved, for the game started in a difficult way for the Vikings as Carpinchos implemented a solid defense and a few sharpful counter-attacks that almost opened the score. 

Kattegat came ahead thanks to the performance of Crosariol after breaking on the left at 37th minute.

However, the things seemed to become hard for Kattegat when Pizzi hurt his back just one minute later, and had to be convinced by the medical staff that it was safer not to continue the game.

In the second half, at the 55', Bertsch leveled the match at 1-1, when he finished off a great pass from the left, knocking past the keeper without a problem.

Harasser's side  seemed to become worried about the course of the game, a shadow of doubt seemed to bath the Hall of the Æsir, anyone could see that on their faces, but only two minutes later, 57' into the match, a typically brave header by Tobeiner from Bajac's cross looped just over the Moya's desperate reach and making the score 2-1.

The scenario had totally changed for the away team who suffered the alluvium of the Raiders who assaulted Moya's goal once more as Sanel Neubauer after a left side attack increased the score at the 60th minute.

The game came to an end, and as a result of Pepito's defeat against La Chuchu, Raiders obtained the vice-champions title in the III division for the first time.

"It was a huge game for us, the guys performed brilliantly today, and during the whole season. They showed their capacities and their expertise for these situations. We are very happy and we're going to celebrate it", affirmed Harasser to the media after the game.

Tobeiner also gave his thoughts: "It a was tough match, a tough rival, as always. They were well-organized, brave, but we could break that wall at the end. I want to dedicate this campaing we did to my family, and to the fans. It was an amazing season for Kattegat".

Young Maciel commented right after the match: "The game was quite hard, as any derby of this kind. Carpies have great players, but we showed our talent today once again, as we always did during the whole season, and we deserved this win. We are ver happy for this achievement, and we'll give our best to keep on growing".

Raiders get ready for the Superderby

One last effort for Kattegat to end up second

Lena Franksdóttir, 07 July 2022

The German duet, Head Coach Harasser and Captain G. Tobeiner spoke to the media during today's press conference at Nordheimkamp, and they commented about what's coming on this weekend.

Franz-Georg Harasser: "We already have the plan for the match, we've studied our rivals, they have a lot of strong points, but we have a plan to carry out, so, we expect a positive result for us this Saturday. There's no other way but winning".

Tobeiner when asked about his fellings towards this derby: "It'll be my first Carpigat, and I've heard it's a special match, and there are many things at stake. We cannot fail now. Kattegat have done a magnificent job during the hole season, so, this ending must be coherent with that. Winning this game would be wonderful for us, the club and our fans."

According to Harasser's words, Kattegat is preparing an offensive team, but did not say anything about the formation specifically: "For this game, we prepared  the team to be able to cause damages to the opponent, but also we have to be very careful with their attack, they're very skillfull players, so... there's only one doubt in my head, a small one, referring to some movements on the field, just that. But the starting line-up is already set up." he affirmed.

The game will be at the Hall fo the Æsir, and we have been told that the offices are running out of tickets to the game. There's a huge expectation among fans due to the possibility of Raiders to end up in the second place for the first time in the III division. For this to happen, Raiders have to win the Carpigat while waiting for La Chuchu to beat Pepito's.

Raiders keep close tabs on Pepito's

Vikings raiding without loosing steps in the race

Toribio Hauge-Petersen 02, July 2022

Matchday: 13

Dep. Cordillerana: Rodas. Denis, Torales, Egilsson, Cartes, Hermosa, Knauss, Kardoff, Bohkvist, Ochipintti, Parchewitz

Kattegat: Ocampos, Gedso (YC), Abdullat, Sostegni, Habchi, Neubauer, Pizzi, Crosariol, Tobeiner, Pizzi, Secelean (28', PK)

Referee: Erik Ødegaard (Nor)

Venue: Lord of the Football

Kattegat deployed a solid game today on the pitch and assaulted Wolves' house to keep close on Pepito's in the race for the second place.

The game was controlled by Harasser's side during most of the game, and they had the best chances to score. In the 28th minute the Norwegian referee granted a penalty kick for the visitors, which was scored by Dan Secelean. This meant his sixth goal in the tournament in four games played so far.

On the game Harasser commented: "We knew it was going to be a hard game for both of us, we came and did things well, our game was solid and attached to the plan, thus, Raiders obtained a vital win".

The home team could not react during most of the game, and at the end Kattegat had a new chance at 89th by Secelean who was not able to make it count.

Kattegat is still alive in the race for the second place, only 2 points after Pepito's who surprisingly a clean score against Matanga FC (0-0). 

The day was full of vibrant emotions for several teams: La Chuchu were crowned as champions, Carpinchos climbed up to the 4th position, while 3 Copas HC and Renacer Davidiano were both sentenced to the IV division, therefore, this means Matanga will have one more chance to preserve his sit at the table in the III. 

Next week Kattegat will have to face their main rivals in a new edition of the "Carpigat" at The Hall of the Æsir. Carpinchos got a great victory against Davidiano (7-1) and will fight to secure the 4th position in the league, while Raiders had already gained the 3rd position but will go after the second place, (depending on Pepito's result against the leaders).

"Today we did a good job, I'm happy fur mein freunds", declared German captain Tobeiner to the media; "next match we have to give our best", he added.

"We did the correct things today, we were better than them, Cordillerana are a great team, however, we had one of our best matches" Crosariol said to KATTV. 

When asked about the next Carpigat to come, the German coach answered during the press conference: "There's a lot at stake in this game, it's a very special one for us, and it will not be a piece of cake, they're a great squad, with several good players, a smart manager, and we are going to plan it the best we can. We haven't achieved our main goal yet. We've come a long way up to here but this story is not over, the final chapter will be next Saturday at home and with our beloved fans; one last task remains for us".

Remarkable Secelean after stunning hat-trick against Pepito's

Dan Secelean guides Kattegat to break the curse

Toribio Hauge-Petersen14, June 2022

Kattegat: Ocampos, Maciel, Sostegni, Salin (Bajac 68), Segura, Galbassini, Tobeiner, Pizzi, Makkonen, Secelean (42, 43, 64) (Chaparro 80)

R. Davidiano: Rindaroy, Kroeker, Ré, Brunner-Negrelli, Mazzuoccolo, Chlápek, Radivojevic, Taganikas, Nessab, Koralis, Tomaylla

MVP: Secelean (Kattegat Raiders)

Referee: Randy Zeindler (Switzerland)

Attendance: 48.102

Venue: The Hall of the Æsir

Dan Secelean scored his first league hat-trick, and collects five goals already in two games to fire Kattegat Raiders to a 3-0 victory over Pepito’s at the Hall of the Æsir on last Saturday, and also having fired his 223th career goal, strengthening the club's bid to secure a place within the top 4 of the league.

A near-perfect weekend for Secelean and Kattegat saw top-four competitors Carpinchos and Cordillerana both win their games, yet Raiders remain in the third position with four games left.

The 37-year-old Romanian striker was on the scoresheet with two dead balls in just two minutes (42’, 43’), a brilliant free kick that found the back of the net and a penalty neatly put away by him against Pepito’s.

His third goal in the second-half was again by a marvelous free kick which shut the winning score for Kattegat.

In many ways, the winner was signature Secelean, a stunning free-kick to cap a hat-trick and secure a vital win for his team. And yet the fact it was scored via free-kicks is always distinctly Secelean-like.

After the game, Raiders coach Harasser praised Secelean's "crucial" impact.

"Like against 3 Copas, he was very crucial today," Harasser told reporters.

"The first and the third goal weren’t just easy goals, the way that he took those goals... was just outstanding, well, he makes these things look easy."

“Truly genius”, affirmed Pizzi to KATTV after the match. “He’s become an important piece for the team, as well as Tobeiner, Brune, Makkonen… It’s a big effort by the club managers bringing these players to join the team, so we have a lot of work and many things yet to improve looking ahead.”, he added.

With this, Raiders are undefeated for five competitive games with five wins in a row. By next league match Kattegat will have to visit the strongest team in the series, La Chuchu.

Raiders closed two reinforcements before facing 3 Copas

"Operation Jomsvikings" underway

Lena Franksdóttir, 3 June 2022

The club decided during the current week a surprise and another bet: Tobeiner and Secelean.

Both players already had their training at Nordheimkamp (Kattegat Training Centre) and have come with the aim of proving their value and experience; they are expected to become key starters due to Raiders' need.

These two new Viking stars appear to be more of a gamble. Harasser's team clearly needed to strengthen the midfield and the attack, so the German coach specifically asked  for players capable of generating play and for that reason Kattegat went in search of these two names.

Harasser during today's press conference spoke to the media: "we are very glad to have these two great footballers, they will fit perfectly with our different game plans. We can say that Kattegat have added value to their game, 'cause they will give a lot of their quality and experience to the club". "Dan Secelean is quick and an amazing set piece taker while Tobeiner is a great header, playmaker as well as an important leader in the pitch" added the head coach.

Gosbert Tobeiner (37) will wear the number 24 shirt as he did at his last club. Tobeiner brings all of his experience and wisdom to the Raiders' midfield as a former competitor in the Hattrick Masters, where he played three matches. Dan Secelean (37) is also an experienced player who carries an outstanding background as a forward with more that 210 goals scored during his prolific career so far.

Fire in the 'haul'!

Brune masterclass to light up the Hall of the Æsir

Lena Franksdóttir, 21th May, 2022

Kattegat: Ocampos, Gedso, Sostegni, Neubauer, Pizzi, Segura (Salin 36), Galbassini, Maciel, Bajac (Salin 70), Chaparro, Brune (8, 49, 62, 89)

R. Davidiano: Hernández, Jiménez, Tumen, Olmedo, Boixaderas (39), Lezcano, Assunção Santos, Araujo, Zungul, Silva

Booked: Chaparro (29)

MVP: Brune (Kattegat Raiders)

Referee: Darrius Chen (USA)

Attendance: 43.052

Venue: The Hall of the Æsir

Christoph Brune netted four times in a remarkable 4-1 win against Davidiano, as Kattegat moved up to third in the league. 

Raiders started the game with high intensity-pressing their opponents and winning the ball back in midfield to set Brune in his way.

It did not take long for the Austrian to make a breakthrough. Brune danced through Davidiano's defence to score early in the game (8') with a stunning volley following a cross from the right wing by Bajac.

Brune continued to cause Davidiano's defence problems and it always looked likely he and Raiders would get a second goal.

But, surprisingly, the visitors levelled the scored at the 39th after the Spaniard midfielder Boixaderas made it through the middle and struck to make it 1-1. So was the score at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Kattegat took the lead early in the second half. At the 49th Brune elegantly received a long range pass through the middle, finishing off with a half-volley shot just below the bar. But Cristoph Brune produced two more moments of magic to dance his way to a hat-trick (three goals in a game) and then to a haul (four goals in a game). 

It was a brilliant masterclass from the Austrian striker who gets to the second position right behind the top scorers' table. 

Raiders are back to third place in the league's table, and with seven games yet to  play, a whole round, Kattegat want to consolidate their place in the top four.

Kattegat head coach Franz-Georg Harasser, speaking to KATTV: "It was very pleasing. It could have been really difficult tonight. We knew we had to be spot on since the first minute to the last, we were focused and our work rate was higher that 100%, as it should be"

"For 'Chris' to have scored four goals is fantastic. His goals are so important for us", affirmed Raiders captain Alexandre Segura, who got out from the pitch during the first half due to an injury in his left foot.

What's next? The Vikings will visit Davidiano's place, hoping to consolidate their position in the top four.

"It's a good sign"

 "It's a good sign" - Harasser encouraged by Kattegat's development in the season

Toribio Hauge-Petersen 12, May 2022

Franz-Geogr Harasser claims that the growth he sees in the squad day by day is a good sign of the club's development in the current season.

"People didn't care what we were. Last season Raiders grew and during many weeks and many months we were playing and doing our best. Now someone would say we are one of the best in the leagues, or top 4 some'd say. These are good signs".

The German coach continued: "I learn to enjoy my job. When I qualify to a new round, I enjoy. When the team progress, I enjoy. When I see a young player growing, I also enjoy that. When we get through certain difficulties; I know what it takes. When the team and I learn , I enjoy".

For now, Harasser's side will focus on their guest, 3 Copas HC, to face them at The Hall of the AEsir tomorrow Saturday. 

The head coach will have all of his players available and in good conditions, and according to what we could see at Nordheimkamp training ground, the lineup might be a quite offensive one. Kattegat Raiders are looking for getting back to the path of triumph after two defeats in a row in the league.

.

Harasser disappointed with rare defeat at home

Kattegat under siege (0-3)

By Eulalio Thompson & Macbeth Fleitas 01 May, 2022 

Kattegat found themselves in real troubles at home yesterday after suffering a terrible defeat.

Italian full back, Pompeo Sostegni, admitted feeling disappointed as Raiders fell to a 3-0 home defeat against the leaders La Chuchu. 

This also marks the lost of their undefeated streak status they had in the tournament until this moment.

Raiders started the game dominating the ball and the whole game, producing enough chances to open the score, but the damage came at 38th minute when Skosyrev finished off a strike from the left with a real cannonball of a shot.

In the second half, the Vikings tried to keep the same intensity, and clearly controlled and enjoyed most of the ball, but the team produced less chances than in the first part. La Chuchu's top scorer Peder Naero put his side ahead 2-0 at the 78th when he finished off an spectacular scissors kick. Eight minutes later, at the 86', Oliveira shut the score 3-0 after a home defensive blunder.

The home supporters still continued to back the team, as more than 47.000 attendants were in the Hall of the AEsir yesterday.

"Unfortunately the goals we conceded have cost us today. There were a few chances in the second half to get back in the game but we've not taken them, so, it's a disappointing day really" Captain Segura told to KATTV

Harasser also gave his thoughts on the match during the press conference and commented about the Captain's performance: "It's been the Alexandre's (Segura) most prolific season so far. He still has a lot to learn and to show to the world". 

The German manager also said that: "Our side have made several mistakes today. It was a tough game, though we could control it. But, at the end, they were much more effective than us, and that's really dissapointing" .

"We gotta keep working very hard and stick together in order to reach the level we pretend"

Slovenian defender, Sanel Neubauer, also spoke to KATTV: "The Einherjars (Raiders fans) have stuck with us and stuck with the young boys. We are thankful for their support. And I feel really sorry for the defeat today, because, I think that, we probably had the best atmosphere at home so far in this season".

'Finders keepers, loosers weepers'

'¡Matanga, dijo la changa!' the K said

Mariano Ortega, 23th April, 2022

Matanga FC: Concutelli (Fulton 74), Logister, Fulton, Alonso (Los 68), Jiménez, Castaldo, Vera, Dawit Mamo, Consuegra (Achao 68), Cappio, Burgos (Poschl 67)

Kattegat: Neumann, Gedso, Sostegni, Neubauer, Bernardes, Segura, Galbassini, Bajac (Maciel 69), Pizzi, Brune, Chaparro

Booked: Consuegra (29)

Referee: José Viegas (Portugal)

Attendance: 18.579

Venue: The Walking

"¡Matanga, dijo la changa" (Finders keepers, loosers weepers), Spanish speakers say when they obtain something unexpected or when they grab something before another person that tried to grab it too.

That Spanish slang summarizes what occurred at The Walking Stadium when Cristoph Brune scored at the 63' for the Viking triumph. A crucial game, as Pizzi previously spoke before the match, where Kattegat snatched three vital points in their trip to the lands of Matanga.

The match was hard enough for the Vikings, as they had to make a great effort to get the victory. Jiménez had been given instructions to man mark Chaparro from the very beginning. He carried his orders out perfectly, following close, and reducing his options. Chaparro even had missed a penalty shot at the 32nd minute. He didn't have a good job today.

But the first count happened early at the 10' minute when Bernardes crossed the ball in the direction of Pizzi who was alert and able to pounce and roll the ball past hapless goalkeeper to score for the Raiders.

Kattegat had many more options to increase the difference but they weren't able to make them count.

At the 43', after a scuffle in the guests' penalty area, the home team was awarded a penalty that José Burgos scored to make 1-1.

Kattegat controled the game during most of the time, and then the Austrian striker, Brune, found himself completely free to score for the visitors, 2-1.

Matanga coach, Gerken, was desperate to reverse his squad's fate in the match, and commanded his team to change the strategy, Consuegra gave Achao the opportunity to make things better, and also Los and Poschl took part in the pitch today, but no effort could not produce a significant change in the score for Matanga.

Even worst for the home side, 'La Rosa' had to end up with 10 men in the field after the Italian keeper Enrico Concutelli's slammed his head so hard into the post, that he lost consciousness for several minutes. He was stretchered off with great care, but already aware and smiling. He was sent to the nearest hospital for a more intensive examination and treatment. With the goal empty, Adam Fulton had to leave his normal role an pick up the gloves.

The first official Kattanga ended 1-2 after a true tactical battle that left Kattegat Raiders in the second place of the series and Matanga FC in the seventh position.

"It was a pretty tough match", said captain Segura, "anyways, fortunately we could win". "I'm really glad for helping my teammates, and for beating a hard rival, we won three important points today", said Brune, who's performing quite well in these last matches and becoming a key player for the K offensive.

Mr. Gastón Gerken commented to the media as well: "We did a great job today. The guys were awesome, they did everything I could asked, they fought on every inch of the field, but we couldn't make it against a great team, bad luck fo us I'd say".

Next match in the series for Raiders will be at home against the leaders of the group, La Chuchu. While Matanga will have to visit the Burrow against one of their main rivals in a sparky clash.

Kattegat's Press Conference before crucial match against Matanga FC

Harasser: 'Kattegat is increasingly finding a method, a structure and coherent culture'

Mariano Ortega, 21th April 2022

There have some whispers about Harasser's age, the slightly misleading sense that this head coach is too young (39).

Mr. Harasser has a reputation for promoting youth and for working to a solid and defensive 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 system, but those who know him well say he will always  build around what he has.

'There is much talent here', said the young coach at Nordheimkamp after today's training session, and stated that Raiders is increasingly building an important process, an integral system as a club. He also pointed out that the club is finding a method, a structure and coherent culture. Building their own work phylosophy with stubbornness, disciplined management and by insisting on their  own process, which, in the long run, will be profitable for the institution.

Referring to their next match, Pizzi also spoke, and gave some words about it during the press conference: 'Although Matanga are not getting important results so far, they will play in their field, with their fans, and they have very important players in every line of the pitch. So, it will be a crucial match for both teams. We gotta be focused on doing our task and execute our plan correctly. I think we're on the right path until now'.

There have been some casualties in the Viking camp, though. Ricardo Maciel will be available for this match, but not entirely. He is just recovering from his rib injury. And the Danish midfielder, Richardt Salin, will not get to this match as he got injured in their most recent match against Ekambuna Hese (0-3).

Anyways, Harasser will get enough resources and weapons to assault his next rival in the III division, Matanga FC, on Saturday at The Walking Stadium.