Tough start in UEFA CUP

Tough start in UEFA CUP group phase for F.C. Copenhagen

On paper, F.C Copenhagen were favourites at home against bottom seed St. Etienne but on the night the French team played far above their seeding level and they were easily the best team on the pitch against a Copenhagen team whose tactics and morale were hampered by a most awful start.

By Lars Kristensen

The game began in very dramatic fashion as two crucial events in the first four minutes set the course for both teams for the remainder of the night. Less than two minutes into play, as Gomis got away from Laursen to put St. Etienne in front with a strong header, the crowd thus witnessed the first of two lows in the opening minutes for F.C. Copenhagen. Onlu moments later, as Varrault brought Santin down inside the penalty box, the Lions were given an excellent chance to redeem themselves but sadly, Nordstrand produced a new low as he squandered the best of opportunities with a feeble effort.

From then on, it was an uphill battle for the home team but F.C. Copenhagen tried as best they could. They really worked hard to get into the game and for a while in the second half they actually began to demonstrate the true strength within the squad. They even managed to pull one back when Santin was brought down a second time inside the area, but in the end, the revival was to be short-lived. It was put to and by St. Etiennes third goal of the night – an elegant lob by Payet that finally demoralized the home team.

Morten Nordstrand:

- In the first half, they punish us hard getting two goals on two chances but actually, overall, our play in that half is approved. That cannot be said of our second half performance, however. Pulling one back, we actually do start to believe in ourselves but then they destroy us with that third goal of theirs.

Atiba Hutchinson:

- That early goal of theirs was just so unfortunate because they were quite capable of intercepting our attacking plays. Had we not had such a dreadful start, the game might have been more evenly balanced but admittedly, we faced a tough opponent today and they do deserve credit for their performance.

The next game in the UEFA Cup kicks off two weeks from now when F.C Copenhagen faces the tough task of playing away against Spanish giants Valencia. After that, the remaining matches of the group consist of a home game against Rosenborg of Norway on Dec 4 and an away game on Dec 17 against Club Bruges.

However, the immediate task at hand is this Sunday’s top clash against the league leaders of the domestic SAS Liga, Odense. Currently in second place, the Lions can overtake the lead from Odense with a win and fortunately, F.C. Copenhagen has the home advantage. Kick-off is at 17.30 in the PARKEN Stadium.

Game stats:

F.C. Copenhagen – St Etienne 1-3

0-1 Gomis (2)

0-2 Perrin (37)

1-2 Santin (59, penalty)

1-3 Payet (65)

Spectators: 17.187