Brann - Rosenborg 3-4
By Håvard Lindheim, 6 July 2004, 08:34
As usual, the battle between Trondheim and Bergen resultet in loads of goals. And yet again, Rosenborg were victorious in the end.
At times it was a very exciting night at Brann stadium:
"My life was shortened with three years, but I gladly give some of my life's length for three points," a "heartsick" Ola By Rise said to Norwegian broadcaster Canal+ after the game.
Harald Brattbakk was again in the spotlight that shines on the topscorer record. Last Monday, against Lyn, he got on par with Odd Iversen, and tonight, all time high scorer Petter Belsvik's 159 top league goals was reached. Congratulations, Harald!
Rosenborg arrived in Bergen with five players out: Vidar Riseth (suspended for yellow cards), Torjus Hansén (inguinal stretch), Roar Strand (fractured rib), Jan Gunnar Solli (inflammation in the hip) and Christer George (transfer papers not in order yet). As a result, Azar Karadas was drawn back to a position as a middle defender, while Odd Inge Olsen was thrown in at the midfield and played his first game from start since the away match against Bodø/Glimt June 1st last year!
And Brann definitely got the better start. The home team owned the match for the first 25 minutes, and after merely four minutes, both Dylan MacAllister and Ragnvald Soma had stood all alone at the far post and tried a shot - one over the goal, and one straight into Espen Johnsen's arms.
But Rosenborg struck back, hard and heavy. From nothing, the guests scored two quick goals. First, Øyvind Storflor battled with Helge Haugen and Erlend Hanstveit, but got the ball over to Fredrik Winsnes that waited outside the 16. Winsnes pummeled, and the ball entered the inside of the net. Great goal, and what a relief for the fans!
Two minutes later, comeback kid Odd Inge Olsen was on the watch - and snatched the ball as Brann defender Olafur Örn Bjarnason skid and lost it. Fast Olsen outrun the Icelander and increased the lead.
Shocked Bergen players hardly believed their own eyes, but Bjarnason at least managed to make good for his error when he reduced after a long free kick just before half time.
After an hour, Harald Brattbakk's record goal came. Substitute Lars Blixt, who had come in for a knee injured Christer Basma minutes after the 2-0 goal, made a pass to Brattbak. The goalgetter, in a duel with Jan Tore Ophaug, took the ball down with his right foot; his left foot lead the ball safely into the net. A thypical Brattbakk goal, and hence a suitable milestone for the player who now can claim to be the top scorer of all times in Norway.
With 1-3, most spectators at Brann stadium probably tought the game was done. But no! During four minutes, between the 74th and the 78th minute, three new goals came.
2-3: Cato Guntveit made a heading into the front of the goal, where Raymond Kvisvik headed it on past RBK keeper Espen Johnsen and into the net.
2-4: Øyvind Storflor passes to Frode Johnsen, that heads it downwards - into the ground - and in, at the far post.
3-4: A very questionable penalty for Brann: Arve Walde fell down inside the 16. Lars Blixt was the closer man, but he was a meter away! Raymond Kvisvik hammered the ball in.
Close to the game's end, Brann pushed hard to get even. But the RBK defence, lead by an outstanding captain Erik Hoftun, stood firm. Brann substitute Erlend Storesund was closest, after having manoeuvred into the field and made a shot. Rosenborg, on their hand, could also have set an end to the excitement at overtime, but both Odd Inge Olsen and Øyvind Storflor failed when they were almost alone in front of the goal.
"I am thoroughly pleased. We score four at away grounds, even if we came with five players out, and lost yet another player (Basma) early in the game," Ola By Rise stated.
PS! The last four matches in Bergen between these two teams has seen a whooping 27 goals: 2-6 in 2001, 2-3 in 2002, 1-6 in 2003 and 3-4 tonight! Go there next year, people.
Match Details
Brann
3-4
ROSENBORG
Olafur Örn Bjarnason 39
Raymond Kvisvik 74, str. 78
Fredrik Winsnes 24
Odd Inge Olsen 26
Harald Brattbakk 59
Frode Johnsen 76
