Rosenborg - Viking 0-0
By Håvard Lindheim, 27 April 2004, 10:32
Not all good things come in threes. After two victories resulting from hard work, we saw a goalless match at Lerkendal when Bjarne Berntsen's vikings visited.
NO GOALS: Harald Brattbakk did not succeed in fooling Viking defender Frode Hansen and his colleagues.
Photo: Thomas Myren
Yes, 0-0 became the result against Viking, who hitherto this season had acchieved the following: A 0-4 loss to Tromsø, and a change of manager. (Viking had only played one match so far; their home game against Lillestrøm last round was moved, waiting for their new stadium to be finished.)
"This time of year it is all about getting points. That we managed in the two first matches, who both were fair enough. Today, on the other hand, we did not deliver as we hoped," Ola By Rise stated in the wardrobe after the game.
The offensive play failed against Viking.
"We don't succeed in our offensive play. Many players are standing still, and at the same time we pass the ball to the first-moving player too often. It all gets very predictable. This is not the football we want to play," the RBK boss said.
Before kickoff it was clear that Viking would be very happy with 0-0 and the first points of the year. And, thanks to good, aggressive defensive work, they managed to keep RBK outside their own 16 metres field for most of the game. When the hosts got one of their rare chances, the ex-Lerkendal-goalkeeper Frode Olsen stood up with great saves. Rosenborg only produced a mere five goal shots during the game, and that is weak - especially on Lerkendal!
Viking, for their part, had several nice raids, and Espen Johnsen had a busy evening. Minutes before full time, Bjørn Berland fell inside the 16 after a duel with Ståle Stensaas. "Penalty!" the Viking supporters cheered, - but referee Roy Helge Olsen saw no reason to blow his whistle.
PS 1! When Viking received Rosenborg for the final pre-season test at Stavanger Stadium three weeks ago, the result was 5-2 to RBK.
PS 2! Jan Gunnar Solli played in a position unfamiliar to him - the right wing. He did well.
TIFO: RBK supporters Kjernen with their overhead tifo before kickoff.
