Sogndal - Rosenborg 3-3
By Håvard Lindheim, 7 June 2004, 11:28
Rosenborg had a 2-0 lead at half time, but gave the victory away to bottom-placed Sogndal in what became an exciting and high speed game at Fosshaugane.
"I am really disappointed. That we do not win is halfway a scandal. We have a 2-0 lead and control the game. But in second half, we act like kid players. The defensive markings collapse, and we let Sogndal take over," Ola By Rise said to Norwegian broadcaster TV2 after the match.
The home team started best as well. During the first four minutes, Sogndal's two wings Kim Rune Hellesund and Alexander Ødegaard both managed to break trough and make dangerous shots.
Then RBK awoke, and went up and away with two fast goals. First, an unmarked Vidar Riseth put a Winsnes crosser into the net. Then, Frode Johnsen made his fifth goal for the season, after Bratbakk headed a crosser back in front of the goal.
With 2-0 at half time, it is safe to say that RBK had victory within their grasp. But it was never to be.
Early in second half, Kim Rune Hellesund was allowed by Ørjan Berg to turn in front of the Rosenborg goal, and fire the ball into the net. Fifteen minutes later, Robbie Russel - a hot name for a RBK transfer - had things going. The Sogndal right back shot from an angle, but the ball hit Ståle Stensaas' foot, changed direction, and rolled past Espen Johnsen at the nearest post. RBK had given their lead away, but it was to get worse.
After 72 minutes, Sogndal took the lead. Alexander Ødegaard dribled half of Rosenborg before he entered the 16-metres field and shot. Goalkeeper Johnsen saved well, but had to give a rebound that Hellesund easily placed into the net.
Just before full time Vidar Riseth luckily made 3-3 with his second goal of the night. Frode Johnsen did not manage to head a corner kick into the net, but the ball ended up at Riseth at the far post, and the middle defender secured one point against the bottom team.
"That was a very slim comfort," By Rise ascertained.
PS! Sogndal lacked their normal middle defender duo Marco Reda and Raoul Kouakou. Instead, ex-RBK player Kjetil Holvik and 18-year old Børre Steenslid played.
