[Archived] Salzburg 2 Rovers 2

[bellamy11]

24 hrs on from the game and I have STILL NOT seen any of our goals...ridiculous!!!

[MI ROVER]

I'll be brave enough to suggest Dinnis is not the only one to be convinced yet...not by a long way.

But lets be sensible enough to give the lad time to adjust.Who else of real quality is McCarthy partnering up front? he CANT be expected to pull us out this low on his own.

On another thread after the sheff utd game I voiced my concerns re: McCarthy. Maybe we are a little to harsh at this time we are probably expecting too much. We have been spoilt by Bellamy's 2ND half of last season displays.

[Ray-Von]

Cheers for the youtube link Pabby, its very much appreciated.

[pleasure]

Once again pleasure is taking the focus of a message board thread off of the topic and putting the focus square on himself.

whereas you've stayed on the topic ?

good work, pabby.

[greggyk]

24 hrs on from the game and I have STILL NOT seen any of our goals...ridiculous!!!

Proof that you dont bother reading what anyone else says! (which means he wont be reading this )

The goals have been on this site thanks to Pabby for hours

[Paul Mellelieu]

Lucas at fault for the second........now John Curtus might have got that one.

Only joking Rev.

[RevidgeBlue]

Just seen Pabby's excellent video (thanks) and don't know about Lucas for the second but it was shocking defending from Zurab for the first.

A carbon copy of the first half at Bramall Lane on Saturday when he let Hulse in for what should have been a goal.

BTW who was that blonde guy who looked a bit like Savage striking in a free kick like Ronaldinho?

Dinnis is a straight enough commentator ; tellls it like it is and isn't afraid to say if someone is playing badly .

Anything Dinnis says has to be taken with a barrowload of salt given his appalling spell as caretaker boss of Rovers in the lofty heights of the old 3rd division c73-74. !!

[blue phil]

Before my time , Revidge ....

[brfcjon]

On Benni... So far what I have seen is quite good. Granted, I didnt see the shefffield game, but its really hard for a striker to play well when the team is performing really bad. Against Salzburg we carved some chances but imo we didnt play well. By that I mean we didnt look tight (not just the back for - midfield and offence needs to be part of the defending wall) and the passing werent good either. Small misunderstandings here and there. I am not saying it was C**p but it wasnt the rovers we got used to see over the past two seasons.

I think Benni thrives in a side that passes the ball well, plays patiently and the explodes with deep passes/crosses. Rovers can do that. Rovers did that last year. And in order for ROvers to do it again I think we need to start with the basics and work from there - first put a sense of comfort into the side by astablishing the notion that no one is going to get soft goals. When the team feels confident that they wont let the goals in they will play more confidently going forward - and Benni/Jay/Noda/and maybe even Franny will come good. I hope and I truly believe.

Rovers can be a force again this year.

Benni to get minimum 12-15 league goals this year.

Up the rovers - and into the uefa cup proper (league stage)

[BigDom]

Just got back home (still p***ed) after what has been a very long (but highly enjoyable) 2 days.

Atmosphere in Salzburg was superb and everyone in the famous Blue n White was a credit to the club

Here's hoping for a good result in a couple of weeks time so that we can go somewhere else and do it all again !!

[Perth_Rover]

Hi,

Those who was in the game or listened it on radio...was Nolan or the bench or Gray??

Thanks

Nolan

[Lee]

Hi,

Those who was in the game or listened it on radio...was Nolan or the bench or Gray??

Thanks

ROVERS: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Neill ©, Bentley, Tugay, Savage, Gamst, Gallagher (sub Peter 80 mins), McCarthy (sub Nonda 87 mins). Subs not used: Brown, Todd, Mokoena, Jeffers, Gray.

Nolan didn't travel. Of the 20 who did, Reid and McEveley missed out.

[1864roverite]

Having driven over 2000 miles to the city that is Salzburg I want to say that I had a fantastic trip although as I will explain the last minute goal left me feeling like we had been defeated.

Myself, Mark and Nick with the company of Preston Blue aka Mike, set off from Blighty Wednesday afternoon for journey through Europe, yes, we, members of BRFC were on the march following the route taken by our forefathers many years ago, showing our colours as we set foot on the lands were thousands had been slaughtered int he dark days of the wars.

First step, the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, went smoothly as we landed in France in the early hours of Thursday morning for the 700 or so mile trek through France,Belgium,Holland and Germany. Rovers flag and scarf visibly showing that part of The Rovers Army had taken "the enemy" by surprise and had landed as we reached out to conquer Europe.

Initially we encountered no resistance as armed with Satnav, a mixture of 60's,70' and 80's counds in the cd changer, we set about reaching our destination. The French and Belgiums were put to the sword as we made inroads to Germany, as usual there was no resistance from the Dutch as our Range Rover set about devouring the mileage between us and our final destiny.

This all changed about 0915hrs, carnage was all about us as the Germans set about stalling us from reaching Salzburg. Firstly, they employed delaying tactics by using kamikazi motorists to block the road, as a last resort, it appeared that we had managed to bypass this little lot by taking a route famed only by the resistance in the 40's only to find out that the Germans had then gone and done the dirty by destroying the satnav signalling system. This part of the Rovers Army had suffered a typical dirty German tactic.

Fear not said Mike, as we invaded a little German Town on the outskirts of Koln. Our first encounter with the locals was on the garage forecourt as Captain Mike engaged nhimself in finding alternative routes of attack to reach our goal. A little conversation with the local yokel failed to provide us with our exact location in Germany although when trying to explain that we were enroute to Austria, he remained ignorant by thinking we were actually trying to find AUSCHWITZ !

Success was achieved as further lines of communication failed. Capt Mike, a man not to be messed around, rallied his weary troops. the engine roared into life and we were back on track. It was clear that the dirty German tactics were not going to delay this small blue and white attachment joining the rest of the troops in Austria.

In need of replenishment, Red Bull and Lucozade aided recovery coupled with hearty portions of ham and eggs and onions from a local eatery. This is where the problem of wind began to impede our progress. Had the nasty Germans found another way of delaying our invasion of Austria ?

We ploughed on, despite the tiresome tactics of German drivers, idiotic at best thick at worst. The troops managed to catch up with kip as mileage was gained. Another problem loomed - the elements. A bit of rain through Germany was replaced with 28 degs of searing heat as we headed South towards our goal.

At last we arrived in Munich, having ridden ourselves of sluggish drivers and traffic jams. The fantastic sight of the new stadium coupled with the first road sign indicating Salzburg put the tiredness away, the final leg of our epic invasion was in sight.

Two more hours and Captain Mike and his crew had arrived. Salzburg is a mighty fine City and only the best would have to do for our weary troops. Initially, it was no room at the inn for our Blue and White fans, However, after tactical comminications, rooms were located at the Golden Hirsch, a world famous hostelry with a guest list that was to be admired. Capt Mike and the boys were accepted into the Elite and can now find their names along those such as Nixon, The Queen Eilzabeth, Arnie, Liz Taylor and every other grade AAA*** named in the world.

Captain Mike then realised another small problem was looming for one of our crew who had complained about the lack of sleep, stress and hunger, not to mention wind ! despite amazing communication skills Capt Mike failed to raise his spirit and Nick was consigned to bed for a short while, whilst the 3 remaining soldiers made our way towards the Irish Bars.

Having located several other detachments of the Rovers Army, food and drink was obtained at a healthy price. Liberation in the form of Pizza and Kaiser lager was lashed down as we headed first to The Shamrock and then to OMalleys.

The excitement was growing pre match and tiredeness was forgotten.

Our final pre match mission was to raise Nick from his slumber. The threat of the dreaded fire extinguiser treatment made him realise that the Rovers needed him to complement the numbers in the stadium and he rose, dressed in his new Blue and White shirt, we embarked on the final section ofo our journey to the tiny little stadium known as the red bull stadium.

On entering the arena, The Rovers Army were in full flow. Although caged in from the locals, the Rovers fans were in loud voice and were the sole contributors to the pre match excitement. A rendition of "England" was quickly followed by the loudest rendition of "The Dambusters" that I have ever heard. The hairs were standing as our Army continued through the early stages of the game.

As a reminder to time gone by, a plane was heard overhead and as had happened over 60 years ealrier the blackout was engforced, if only for a short time whilst the Austrians realised it was 2006 and not 1943 !

Suddenly a quick free kick put Rovers behind. Having been in total control Roveers had appeared to committ a suicidal act. A defeat once again loomed UNTIL the golden haired hero arrived on scene to take a free kick some 30 yards out.

BANG! 1-1 as the ball flew in. Robbie was in dreamland, his practice made perfect as the ball bounced in and out sending the Rovers Army into heaven. The noise was deafening in the cage. Surely, surely Rovers could go on. For once, the man in the middle seemed to sympathise with the boys in Red as the tactics employed by the German/Austrian team became roughhouse.

Yet another free kick was granted to Rovers. Enter Gamst aka Pederson. Bang, the goalie spills and our South African hero Benni smacks the ball back into the onion bag, 2-1 Rovers. If Carlseberg made football dreams for Blackburn fans then this was it.

The caged Rovers fans went mental. The stadium was filled with Northern English voices as the home fans were simply silenced. They may just have realised that it was okay to beat the local pub team 17-1 and that in facing the people cahmpions from England they may just have bitten off more than they could chew, even if they were playing on a plastic pitch !

The match progressed. Rovers supporters began to ail with the combination of heat, beer and food, not to mention car, jet and boat lag.

Jordan was seen hanging onto the fence, Paul was seen sat down with his eyes rolling, Capt Mike was in full flow demanding more from his troops, Accy and Roverite continued their renditionof Rovers songs joined by the travelling army.

The game entered its final stages. Rovers, typically, had decided enough was enough and were coping with the barrage thrown at them. Brad saved us once, twice and three times, the ref wiped off a goal for offside. Despite the barrage Rovers appeared to cope until the 93rd minute. A deep cross and a tall figure loomed above Lucas and the ball nestled in the back of the net. 2-2, final whistle game over.

It felt like a dagger, or bayonet to be precise, had been plunged through my Blue and White heart. It hurt, hurt, hurt. But what was to follow was simply unacceptable.

As the Rovers army rose as one to proclaim what could be considered a good result - 2 away goals and everything all square - the Rovers players simply ignored them as only Mssrs Tugay and Savage came to acknowledge the totally fantastic suuport they had been given on that pitch.

Gutted and disappointment spring to mind, disgusted is another word I could use.

The Blue and White army left as one, seeking entertainment in the form of beer, beer and more beer.

The free buses helped us find our destination and as we reached the Shamrock the signing was in full flow.

A few more beers and Capt Mike and his weary crew finally reckoned a meeting with their beds. Sleep was needed before the treck back home through the lowlands of Europe.

Breakfast was provided by Macdonalds and we left Salzburg having made many friends and purchased the standard headgear just as a reminder of our trip to Austria.

As we made our way back to Blighty, Capt mike was the first to suffer with wind syndrome. Could it have been the beer ? No I think the ham and egg breakfast was to blame. Mark and Nick joined in as we seekd turbo power to jetison us back to Dunkirk for the ferry home. It was not to be as the dirty Germans again impeded us by having accidents and by a combination of poor driving and stupidity.

A phone call was made as we realised they had succeeded in delaying us and a late ferry was booked.

All was not lost as we indulged in hot meals, babies head and chips, real sausage and chips and a meeting with Spurs supporters who had driven to Prague relieved the stress of the 2000 mile plus journey.

So now, back home and rested.

An epic journey, fantastic entertainment, no loss and great company (music excluded) was had by Capt Mike and his crew.

The photographic memories of Jordan hanging onto the fence and trying to smile hsi way through his drunken stupor made me laugh all the way home and evidence will be posted at some point !

Enjoy guys and girls. We had a fantastic time and the name of BRFC has been well received in Austria.

[cletus]

Sorry i`ve not read the last 19 pages, but did anyone take any photos of their exploits in Austria (& the away fans end) ?

& do you have any 'links' to view them?

[Martin]

Arrived back at Ewood last night after 3 days on the official coach. First and foremost let me say if we go through I am most definitely flying next time!

Brief comments on the game.

Gamst and Gallagher were poor. I think Gamst has a problem - he looks afraid to sprint.

Tugay was excellent as were Bentley, Emerton, Zurab and Savage. Ooijer was much improved.

Mccarthy, to me played far too deep for a lone front man.

Ultimately the result was fair and let's be honest we all feared a right drubbing after they scored early on. If we can't beat this lot at Ewood then we don't deserve to be in europe.

It was a truely great trip and the Rovers fans were immense. This was my first time in europe (barring Celtic away) and it was an experience I will never forget - I only hope we get the chance to do it again.

The only negative point for me was the lack of appreciation towards the fans from the majority of the Rovers squad after the game. Only Sav, Tugs and MGP showed any real thanks. After spending three days on a coach it would have been nice for Hughes to walk over and say thanks.

Anyway I am far too tired to be on here - it is impossible to sleep on a coach.

[USABlue]

Entertaining story 1864, good one.

[den]

If you look at the goals, where Lucas has been blamed on here again, you will see that the player who had the scorer marked and didn't track back all the way was pedersen.

Lucas was the nearest to the Salzburg player when he scored, but he had to leave the player that he was marking, to try to get to the player that Ped allowed a free run to.

[Ricky]

I must admit to being a little dissapointed that the players didn't really acknowledge the fans after the game. Savage applauded us from a little way away as did Gamst. Toogs came a lot closer and was greeted with a rapture of "turkish delight".

I thought hughes' would have sent them all over to be honest. We deserved it.

[yorkblues]

it was good to see the boys on the free bus who had gone by car.had 2 top nights in salzburg lets hope we can sing like that again

[SAS]

ok guys

here we go

http://www.footballawaydays.com/salzburguefa1.htm

[1864roverite]

please can anyone wake me from my slumber and tel me how I can put my photo's on the website

ta

[SAS]

you can use www.photobucket.com

[blue/white]

Top Post, 1864.

I wish I could make a trip to support Rovers like that... must be brillant, i'm sure

[Scotty]

Got back a couple of hours ago - what a fantastic trip.

Overall the result was a fair one. Salzburg started the game better than us, we were too defensive and negative early on and I think Salzburg sensed this. They started to get forward more often and it wasn't a surprise when they scored. It was finished excellently but the chance came from yet another long ball through the heart of our defence.

Our equaliser came a bit out of the blue to be honest - but what a free-kick. From that moment until half-time though we tore Salzburg apart, winning everything in midfield. Both Tugay and Savage were immense during that period and we fully deserved to be leading at half-time.

We looked comfortable throughout most of the second half until about 10-15 minutes from the end. Salzburg kept putting more forwards on and we just started to defend deeper and deeper. Out wide we allowed far too many crosses to get into the box and Salzburg started to create chances - good chances as well. We rode our luck until the last minute which made their equaliser such a sickener, but it had been coming.

Anyway, a few points:

- McCarthy can't play as a lone striker imo. He isn't strong enough, he doesn't win anything in the air, and he doesn't work hard enough. I lost count of the amount of times one of our full-backs had the ball and was looking for channel run only to see a static McCarthy in the middle. That's not to say that McCarthy's a bad player, I just think he needs someone to play off.

- Neill and Pedersen on the left didn't do enough to stop crosses coming into the box. Salzburg's forwards were all big lumps, so the easiest way to defend against them is to stop their supply. We just didn't do it. The whole defence turned to Pedersen when Salzburg got their late equaliser - Ooijer in particular gave him a right roasting - as it was the umpteenth time he'd let his opponent run off him.

- We wasted possession far too much in the last quarter of the game. As Salzburg pushed forward we had numerous chances to break, but we either lost the ball in midfield (both Bentley and Pedersen tried to take men on too often rather than playing simple balls) or wasted crossing chances. We could, and should, have killed the game off on the break long before they equalised, but we didn't have the necessary intelligence or composure to do it.

- Tugay was man of the match, closely followed by Savage, closely followed by Friedel. They all did their respective jobs superbly. Salzburg bizarrely gave Tugay time and space to play, and boy did he play. I suspect they might get a bit closer to him at Ewood.

- Our central defence partnership is still a soft touch at times. Zurab is great on the ground, he showed superb composure and skill on a number of occasions to dribble his way out of trouble, but he lacks positional sense and can be bullied. Ooijer is a similar sort of player, and although I think he's better in the air than Zurab, he still doesn't always show the necessary strength and competitiveness required.

- Salzburg were strong, physical, competitive, and their forwards in particular were big units. However, their keeper had a mare and they lack real pace - can't see them doing what Genclerbiligi (sp?) did to us at Ewood when their pacey forward tore us apart on the break. And I didn't see too many of them show any great dribbling ability either. They are a decent, strong, workmanlike team, but they aren't top class.

Neither are we though and we'll definately have to defend crosses better if we want to progress. But I think we've got the edge in midfield and I expect us to do enough - although I'm sure Rovers will put us all through the mill first as ever.

[murray92]

I took some photos - Not great though. The video clips were better! With the "s**t ground no lights" chant when the lights went out!

MY BRIEF REVIEW OF SALZBURG GAME (I really must call them RED BULL Salzburg, due to the ridiculous over-commercialisation of their team. (How American is that!!!) - But their traditional home kit is PURPLE is it not?? Not their away kit. Imagine the blue & white halves were axed???

Man of the match by a country mile was Tugay. He absolutely ran the show. One of the best games I've seen him. He was involved in everything!

+'s

1) Tugay, as above! Either the instruction was "just give it to Tugay!" or else the rest of the team just felt comfortable passing it to him..who knows!

2) Savage had an impressive game, and prompted a comment to me by a Salzburg fan "who is your number 8? We really like him" ......now how many away fans say that of Mr Savage!! What a free kick, I was shocked!!! Put the camera away at that point casue I thought: "It's Savage. There's no way this is goin anywhere!!"

3) Brad - A few important saves and a solid showing. - Like the "he's got big hands" chant!!!.

Lets hope he gets through to Zurab next time when there is no danger and the ball should be his!

4) 2 AWAY GOALS!!!

-'s

1) Benni - Quoted as saying the best is yet to come. I bloody hope so! Ok he was a lone striker and neither Pedersen nor Bentley's supply was up to much but is he fully match fit? HE seemed to lack sharpness and WHY OH WHY WAS HE NOT CHASING EVERY BALL, EVERY PASS BACK TO THEIR KEEPER! Their Keeper (as has already been mentioned on here) was hopeless! And although certainly not as naturally gifted or clinical, a certain Mr Dickov (or Kuqi for that matter) would have made the keeper pay!

2) Bentley - Ok they kicked him everytime he got the ball almost! But a poor game nonetheless, gave the ball away a lot.

3) Gallagher - Ok a new role, but can do better than that. I'm glad he's in our squad but always seems to more effective coming off the bench.

4) Defence without Admiral - Although Zurab and Ooijer did ok, no Nelsen in there is a concern. Hopefully Oojer will improve, and I do rate Zurab!

5) We should have buried them in the 1st 30 mins of the second half. We just didn't look hungry enough to go for a third, and ultimately their last 10 mins onslaught brought them a deserved goal (after hitting post twice). Although we should have been out of sight by then - arrrrrrgh!!

Salzburg is a really lovely city. It is really clean, the folk are friendly, and I just hope not to much damage (EITHER WAY) was caused by incedents in the Shamrock & O'Malley's bars in the centre of town. I didn't come across any trouble, but then my hotel was 10 mins walk from the ground and not need to get in that "sardined up" shuttle bus!!

Scotty! Having just posted my review I note your prior one! (Didn't see it before I posted mine!! Can't believe how many similar things you noticed!!!!!!!!!!