Viking - Rosenborg 1-1
By Håvard Lindheim, 2 August 2004, 10:59
Rosenborg's very first game at new Viking stadium ended in shared points. As a result, the league leaders from Trondheim could not improve their lead on the gold medallion candidates Tromsø and Lillestrøm.
VIKING STADIUM: Rosenborg played their first match at the great new arena in Stavanger.
Disappointingly for the home public, this was a match between top and bottom in the Tippeliga. After the five games that started at six was done, coach Roy Hodgson's men occupied the relegation spot at a bad looking 14th place. Rosenborg, on their hand, had a golden opportunity of improving their lead on the other two top teams, Tromsø and Lillestrøm, who played 2-2 at Åråsen.
Rosenborg showed up in Stavanger with the youngest starting 11 of the season. Ola By Rise chose to put the veterans Christer Basma (32), Ståle Stensaas (33) and Harald Brattbakk (33) at the bench. In addition, Ørjan Berg (soon 36) was out with a bad leg. In came Robbie Russell (25), Mikael Dorsin (22), Jan Gunnar Solli (23) and Christer George (24), all pulling the average age down considerably.
And the unusual young RBK team grabbed hold of the initiative from start at the new beautiful arena. The two debutants, Russell and Dorsin, played well; Robbie with his long throws, and Micke with good passes. The ball ended several times at Frode Johnsen in front of Viking's goal, but the Rosenborg forward just couldn't hit right this game.
This resulted in a 0-0 standing at half time. Second half started with a Viking lead. Trygve Nygaard hammered away from 16 metres after having finted off Roar Strand. The shot went via Erik Hoftun's leg, changed direction ever so slightly, and passed over Espen Johnsen's head and into the net. A really cold shower for Rosenborg.
But RBK fought their way back. Frode Johnsen could have made a quick goal when he hit the post. And after 74 minutes, the 1-1 goal came. Rosenborg was awarded a free kick from 20 meters. Fredrik Winsnes put the ball over the wall and into the nearest corner of the goal. Great shot! And Rosenborg has now scored in 29 away Tippeliga matches in a row. What a record!
"It was the perfect spot from which to make a free kick. I would have placed the ball at that exact spot if I got to choose freely. The wall was placed correctly, but I hit the ball so well that it had to be a goal," Winsnes cheered to Western Norwegian daily Stavanger Aftenblad in the wardrobe.
Viking stadium did not however see any more goals this match. Hence, the home team was left at the relegation spot, while RBK kept their lead on Tromsø and Lillestrøm at 1 and 3 points respectively.
"My feelings are mixed. We owned the first half, but had a lousy start on the second half. In a game like this, the first goal is important, and unluckily - we didn't get that. At last we got at least a point, even if we'd like to have all three," Ola By Rise concluded to Norwegian broadcaster TV2 after the game.
PS! A third newcommer made his debut for RBK: Daniel Braaten came in for Øyvind Storflor for the last minutes of the game. Congratulations to all!
