Copenhagen earn tough point in Germany

25/10 2012 23:08

FCK battled out a well deserved goalless draw in Stuttgart on Thursday to place them in a good position at the midway point of the UEFA Europa League group stage.

by Joe Short

Head coach Ariel Jacobs had to contend with Nicolai Jørgensen’s injury absence once more from the squad ahead of their clash with Stuttgart. The boss brought Rurik Gislason into the midfield as FCK played their familiar 4-5-1 in Europe at a noisy VfB Arena in Germany.

In the Stuttgart ranks was William Kvist, FCK’s die-hard former midfielder that captained the side during our Champions League and title-winning campaign in 2010/11. There was no time to rekindle old friendships however as César Santin forced a corner with a volleyed effort seconds into the game.

Copenhagen held possession well for the opening 10 minutes, getting a feel for the ball in their back four. Thomas Delaney received an early booking for a late challenge on the quarter-hour mark – the only feisty tacle in the opening stages. Indeed, neither side managed to stamp their mark on the game and FCK were reduced to a couple of over-hit free-kicks by 30 minutes.

Wiland solid in goal

A hesitant Lars Jacobsen allowed Christian Molinaro the chance to knock a high ball into the Lions box but Johan Wiland was alert to the danger, punching clear. At the other end FCK got their first chance on 40 minutes when Jacobsen surged down the right flank and crossed for Santin four yards out, who had got the better of his man. However, goalkeeper Sven Ulreich did enough to avert the danger, pushing the ball clear.

Jacobs opted not to make a change at half time. There was high drama at the start of the half when Wiland spilled a Vedad Ibisevic shot into the path of Tunay Torun, who stepped over Wiland’s outstretched hand before collapsing to the floor. Portuguese ref Artur Soares rightly booked the attacker for simulation and awarded Copenhagen a free-kick.

Fifty-two minutes in Thomas Kristensen had a golden opportunity to take the lead after receiving a neat square ball to the left of the Stuttgart box. However, the midfielder dallied far too long and instead of pulling the trigger early he got the ball caught under his feet before being dispossessed.

FCK hold on for a point

By 60 minutes Stuttgart had formed a grip on the game and were opening large holes in between FCK’s defence and midfield yet could not properly threaten Wiland’s goal. Gislason had a good half chance on 65 minutes but saw his effort blocked by a defender after he followed a long throw into the box from Claudemir, while Wiland parried a fierce effort from Molinaro five minutes later.

The Lions survived a barrage of high balls into their area on 75 minutes and only some dogged defending and Wiland flapping prevented a sure goal. Christian Grindheim entered the field for Gislason to sure up FCK’s midfield, while Andreas Cornelius came on for Santin with seven minutes remaining.

The remainder of the match saw Copenhagen defending competently and Stuttgart failed to endanger Wiland’s penalty area. Indeed, FCK had the last chance of the game when Claudemir floated in a cross in stoppage time but Cornelius’ header fell behind for a corner without troubling Ulreich.

The draw leaves FCK in a healthy position in Group E: three points behind Steaua in second place on four points and one ahead of Molde.

STUTTGART: 0 FC COPENHAGEN: 0

Stuttgart: Ulreich, Sakai, Tasci (C), Niedermeier, Molinaro, Kvist, Harnik, Traoré, Gentner, Holzhauser, Ibisevic.

FC Copenhagen: Wiland, Jacobsen (C), Stadsgaard, Sigurdsson, Bengtsson, Bolaños, Claudemir, Kristensen, Vingaard, Gislason, Santin.

Referee: Artur Soares (POR).