Mainz - Rosenborg 2-0
By Håvard Lindheim, 22 July 2004, 08:19
The game that should give a hint of RBK's shape prior to the autumn resulted in a loss. We will hope, then, that this bad test ends in a great premiére...
Ola By Rise had in advance decided to let many new players have a try against the new Bundesliga team, and three of the four newcommers was allowed a half each: Robbie Russell started the game as right back and was switched at half time, while Ivar Rønningen and Mikael Dorsin both played the second half. Congratulations with the debut, all three! The fourth, Daniel Braaten, has a troublesome groin, and further, he is occupied in Oslo with packing before moving to Trondheim.
Tonight's game was played in Mainz' neighbouring city Worms, and in many ways was a charity game where the ticket money went to the humanitarian project "Profifußballer helfen Kindern" - professional footballers help children.
Rosenborg did indeed show charity when they let the home team take the lead after only five minutes. The forward Christof Teinert was played free, and could easily put the ball behind Espen Johnsen.
Mainz continued their pressure during the first half, and created several chances. Just before half time RBK had their first, when Frode Johnsen headed close to the goal.
After the rest the game was more even, and the mentioned mr. Johnsen continued to create possibilities with his head. But this was not his day.
Instead, substitute Nicolce Noveski got the honour of settling the final result to 2-0 when he headed past debutant Rønningen a mere ten minutes before full time.
In all, not the result RBK had hoped for in advance.
PS! Christer George made his comeback after a year in Spanish club Cordoba.
