“Battle of the North” ended in a draw

Thursday’s contest between F.C. Copenhagen and Rosenborg of Norway in Group G of the UEFA Cup was not just a crucial game for both teams regarding further advancement in the competition but also a highly anticipated clash between, arguably, the two most successful sides of Nordic football in recent years. Although the game did end in a draw the Lions still came out on top since the Norwegians are now out of this year’s competition whereas F.C. Copenhagen remains in contention for a place in the 3rd Round.

By Lars Kristensen

Clearly the better side during the first half hour, F.C. Copenhagen suddenly faced an uphill battle as Rosenborg scored on a fast break in the 33rd minute. In the second half the Lions regained composure and never letting up they most deservedly levelled the score five minutes before the end.

Morten Nordstrand:

- We dominate during the first 30 minutes of the game. Unfortunately, we miss our chances and following their goal, they actually put some pressure on us instead. After the break, we take control once again and the closing 30 minutes belong to us entirely. In the end, I think we deserved to win and I am of course disappointed that we didn’t.

William Kvist:

- We begin well but then after Rosenborg scores we lose our grip on the match. In the second half we continue to push forward but perhaps the equalizer came a little too late for us because I don’t think we ever came really close to scoring a second. Anyway, I am pleased that we till have something to play for when we go to Bruges and in the last couple of seasons we have enjoyed some excellent results playing away in Europe so why not this time too?

Coach Ståle Solbakken:

- Advancement to the knock-out stages is still possible but now we must win in Belgium. Club Bruges is a good side that seldom loses yet they don’t compare to the likes of Valencia so overall the opportunity is definitely there for us.

On 17 Dec, F.C. Copenhagen will play the final and deciding game in Group G against Club Bruges of Belgium.  A win will ensure F.C. Copenhagen a place among the select 32 teams that play the final knock out stages of the UEFA Cup in the spring of 2009.

Game stats:

F.C. Copenhagen – Rosenborg BK 1-1 (0-1)

0-1 Iversen (33)

1-1 Antonsson (85)

Spectators: 18.184