[Archived] Rovers V Basel

[den]

We got very lucky last night. IMO, if Basel had scored first, we wouldn't have won - and they certainly should have scored first. They caught us cold.

Second half performance was very good though, so all in all a very happy bunny here. A manager, chairman and team who want to win in ALL competitions. I keep having to pinch myself and thinking that I could have been a North ender!

Felt a bit sorry for Basel, I didn't think they deserved that scoreline, plus their sponsor is a bit close to my heart.

[BrianPotter]

Very good game and very enjoyable to watch. We weren't very good in the first half, but I thought that we were in total control in the second and deserved the win. Great goal from Tugay, soft penatly (but at least we scored one) and good to see Benni getting another goal.

I agree, I thought the game was really entertaining - end to end and some great football. We were poor defensivley in the first half in particular, but I thought both teams played some excellent football.

I watched on TV (before anyone starts, I'm in Southampton and couldn't get the afternoon off work or I would have been there) with the Missus and it was a very entertaining game. Even she enjoyed it and said it was quite exciting compared to our usual games!

[steven]

How did Sterj and Chippers play?

[Exiled_Rover]

Basel played with a very deep-lying central midfielder who almost became a fifth centre-half when we had the ball. This allowed them to track either Nonda or McCarthy when they attempted to come short and link play, meaning that we couldn't hold the ball up front and lacked options in midfield. As a result our passing was awful and we constantly gave the ball away. Then we were a yard off the pace when Basle had the ball and didn't work hard enough to get it back.

Which allowed Tugay the time and space for a shot. If you noticed he was looking for a pass before settling on shooting. Much like with Bentley earlier in the half, the Basel defence just backed off and said "Go on then mate, if you score from there fair play to you." Obviously Tugay, being an utter legend, took up the challenge.

As for the game itself, well credit to Basel, they were extremely well organised and very tidy on the ball. They were the far better team in the first half, we couldn't get near them. The lad with the fluorecent boots (Petric?) was a bit of class - especially when he skinned Milk Float MkII with absolute ease in the second half.

We probably should have taken a draw from that game. If I was a Basel fan I'd have been dissapointed - they stifled our attack and created a fair number of good chances. They were unlocked by a bit of magic though, and from then on we never looked back as they had to abandon their shape.

As for the Mokoena abuse, I'm not sure why that's come about. He's not the most technically gifted footballer, and he's awkward in a four man midfield, but he came on yesterday and did a job. We're going to have to rely upon him for the next month it looks like too, so we'll see whether he improves with matches under his belt.

[Fife Rover]

Hands up who saw that result coming half way through the second half? An unbelieveable result in the end from a game where Rovers were second best for large parts. Still, do I care? God no.

There was some good team news before the game - Savage, Nonda and Pedersen were all fit and named in the starting 11 - only Emerton was missing from our usual first-choice team. However, on a bitterly cold night the Rovers just didn't get started. Basle were quicker, stronger and hungrier than us, and they displayed a much higher level of technical and passing ability. They attacked us from the off and soon started to create chances - thankfully their finishing was awful throughout the match. One notable chance, a point-blank header from the edge of the six-yard box, brought a miraculous save from Friedel. Most of Basel's other attempts though (and there were plenty of them) were blocked or off target.

Basel played with a very deep-lying central midfielder who almost became a fifth centre-half when we had the ball. This allowed them to track either Nonda or McCarthy when they attempted to come short and link play, meaning that we couldn't hold the ball up front and lacked options in midfield. As a result our passing was awful and we constantly gave the ball away. Then we were a yard off the pace when Basle had the ball and didn't work hard enough to get it back.

Towards the end of the half though we did manage to create a couple of chances, both Pedersen and Bentley had efforts that they should have done better with, but overall we were lucky to go in at half-time level. The other notable event in the first half was the injury to Savage (replaced by Mokoena). Let's hope it's not serious because we're looking pretty short in central midfield if it is.

We started the second half much brighter and attacked from the off. Nonda (I think) missed a glorious chance from a Neill cross, heading weakly straight at the keeper when it seemed easier to score. We also won a few corners and free-kicks and generally looked like we'd decided to play at last. Our domination was only temporary though as the pattern of the first half started to emerge after around 15 minutes. Basle always looked a threat when they attacked and, yet again, they spurned several shooting opportunites through some rank bad finishing. They also had a great free-kick well saved by Friedel, and headed the subsequent rebound wide when it really should have been on-target at least.

I'd just started to settle for point, maybe hope for a point was more accurate, when Tugay produced a moment of complete magic out of nowhere. He controlled a difficult ball, turned his marker expertly, advanced a few yards, and floated an absolutely magestic shot into the top corner of the net from about 30 yards. The Basle keeper just stood and watched. A moment of true quality that was a mile above anything we had produced in the match so far.

Hughes then decided to bring on some fresh legs, replacing Tugay and Nonda with Gallagher and Jeffers. Just as an aside, Tugay also stormed ahead in Rovers' "longest time to walk off when subbed" competition, easily beating McCarthy's valient effort in Salzburg. The confidence of a goal plus the fresh legs gave us an impetus that had been missing for most of the night, and suddenly we were all over Basle. In the last ten minutes we won a penalty that Jeffers blasted into the middle of the goal and, late on, McCarthy tucked in a rebound from a useful Gallagher shot.

3-0 it finished and Basle must be shaking their heads wondering how on earth that happened.

Friedel pulled off a couple of great saves and kept us in the match. Our two central defenders flatter to deceive. They are good on the ball, make the odd decent interception, and Ooijer in particular is pretty good in the air, yet they continue to allow opposition players time and space and gift them chances. With better finishing, heck with just normal finishing, Basle could easily have got 4 or 5 goals today. Our two full backs were poor, Neill in particular didn't look his usual attacking threat (possibly carrying a knock?). Gray at least tried to get forward and influence play, but all too often he just gave the ball away. He was better than he was at West Ham though.

We were overrun in midfield for large parts of the first half but competed better in the second. Tugay was the only player who seemed able to pass the ball to another Rovers player earlier on, and, of course, he deserved to win the man of the match award for his goal alone. Savage was injured mid-way through the first half and Mokoena showed again that he lacks the passing ability to play in a 4-4-2. Pedersen was poor in the first half (as were the whole team to be fair) but played much better in the second. Bentley did ok without ever really excelling.

Up front our forwards were shackled well by Basle. Nonda was poor though, again I wonder if he was really fit, and could have been subbed much earlier than he was. McCarthy at least showed the odd flash of quality and he was in the right place at the right time to score at the death.

We were second best for the most part today and got lucky with the result, but there have been plenty of games when we've played well and not got what we deserved (Bolton most recently) so I'm not going to begrudge the win. Spare a thought though for the 100 or so Basle fans that made the trip to Ewood. They must be completely shell-shocked by what they saw and it'll be a long journey home for them.

Still, we're in a great position in the group now. I think we've already done enough to qualify, it would take a remarkable set of results now for us to miss out, but it's important we try to top the group. I suspect the Nancy home game may decide whether we do that or not. But, whatever the outcome of that match, it looks like our European adventure is going to carry on into next year. I can't wait.

Well said Scotty! You have just about summed up the whole game and everbody in it exactly as I saw it. Perhaps just one very small exception. I thought Bentley did a little more than just OK; not his best ever performance but certainly good.

[Ozz]

Didnt get a pint as they werent selling.

Didn't stop them advertising a QUICK BEER Token on the Jumbotron though.

I didnt get a pie either as OZZIE had beaten everyone to them !!!!

You could beat everyone WITH them they're that bad now.

BASLE BRUSHED ASIDE

I agree with Paul, I enjoyed last night as much as I have enjoyed any game for ages, it was entertaining stuff with a few goals and the timing of the scoring meant everyone left the ground buzzing, which may help future ticket sales.

My only gripe was Gray-clearly no confidence, lacking match fitness and sticks out like a sore thumb in that side.

And the Basle fans looked like a local GAY PRIDE march had taken a wrong turn and ended up in the Darwen End by mistake.

Oh, another gripe-is it my paranoia, or do they deliberately not put the teams on the big screen to make people buy more match day programs?

Edited November 3, 2006 by ozziejones

[thenodrog]

Then Tugay struck with what is surely one of the finest individual goals seen at Ewood. From perhaps 40 yards out he let rip,

More like 30 yards!

I must have told you a million times not to exaggerate!

We were overrun in midfield for large parts of the first half but competed better in the second. Tugay was the only player who seemed able to pass the ball to another Rovers player earlier on, and, of course, he deserved to win the man of the match award for his goal alone. Savage was injured mid-way through the first half and Mokoena showed again that he lacks the passing ability to play in a 4-4-2.

I noticed a subtle difference last night from previous sub appearences from the Axe and one which I have been advocating for some time if he is to be used in a 4-4-2 formation. Last night Mokoena came on again for Sav but instead of filling in in Savs roving role he came out after the HT interval and played his more natural deep defensive role which invariably meant Tugay playing much further forward than he normally plays. Mokoena looked much more at ease and Tugay absolutely revelled in his forward link play.

Edited November 3, 2006 by thenodrog

[RevidgeBlue]

Anyhow, if we get the point we need from the next two games, is there guaranteed money in it for reaching the last 32, and if so how much?

I seem to recall John Williams being quoted in the LT as saying there wasn't much money in the UEFA competition until the knockout stages.

[Blue blood]

Agree pretty much with what Scotty says, although wouldn't have classed Nonda as poor. Yes he missed a sitter, but worked hard and held the ball up exceptionally well. Regarding the full backs I thought Neill didn't seem to be going in for loose balls with the determination and commitment he should be, and Gray despite trying is far from good enough.

Disappointingly we will have 2 players in the team on Sunday who aren't up to it in Mokoena and Gray. Some of Gray's passing was woeful, his ball control was poor, and he gets skinned far too often. Mokoena seems to know what to do but doesn't seem able to do it. his passes are often the right idea but badly placed, and he doesn't really impose himself on the midfield. This is a shame as the other players in the team, when playing well, can really give a good account of themselves.

Rovers were lucky - thank goodness for Brad in the first half. Full credit to Basel I thought they played well in the first half, physical without being dirty, were quick to get forward and defended in numbers.

However, the second half rovers turned it around, and full credit to them for keeping going after getting the 1st goal. Tugay like Brad is a rovers legend, and perhaps not mentioned yet in his acolades from last night is how much running the guy did, both going forward and back. I was very impressed with his work rate as well as his class. In fact the only time he slowed down was when he was subbed.

The only other thing to mention was the atmosphere which imo was fantastic. the Blackburn End never shut up, even in the first half when we were getting hammered. Maybe it was the cold or something... One last gripe would be their goal keeper who kept stealing yards with every offside and did crap goal kicks, and the linesman who thought everything was offside. Still it made it even more satisfying when we won.

Big question is now which rovers team will turn up on Sunday - the first half inept display or the european masters of the second half?

[Moppy]

One last gripe would be their goal keeper who kept stealing yards with every offside and did crap goal kicks,

Yeah I think the whole BBE agrees with you. My brother who watched this on TV said that the commentators (Sherwood and Dickov) apparently said something along the lines of "Their keeper out of order doing that to the fans". Dont know what this would be or even if my bro wasnt hearing things. Anyone any ideas?

[joey_big_nose]

MGP was exactly as he has been all season. Weak, poor and clueless. It was a bloody good job he was breathed upon and went down for the penalty or he certainly (given the earlier efforts) wouldn't have scored.

I think thats harsh Jan. I have thought MGP poor pretty much since the start of the season but last night his second half was very good. He played better than Bentley tbh.

Hopefully he is on to something and can recover some form. With the injuries we have we desperately need him to.

[blue phil]

Well said Scotty! You have just about summed up the whole game and everbody in it exactly as I saw it. Perhaps just one very small exception. I thought Bentley did a little more than just OK; not his best ever performance but certainly good.

Bentley wandered about all over the place far too much , particular in the first half . Still , I suppose it's better than hiding from the play .

Mokoena and Gray appear to me not to be quick enough at this level - and that's probably more the speed of thought than movement I'm afraid . Contrast that with Tugay who has as good a football brain as anyone who has set foot on the sacred turf and skill to match .

Nonda has still everything to prove to me , both in application , movement and skill . Not half the player of his fellow forward , McCarthy . At the risk of incurring The Drog's wrath I must say that I would have liked to see Gallagher introduced 15 or 20 mins earlier yesterday to play up front with Benni .

Besides that it was a very enjoyable game ..but it could have been different but for bad finishing from Basle and excellent keeping from Brad .

[SuperStella]

Is the Tugay goal anywhere online yet??

[OJRovers]

Agree with bp, I always think that when Gally comes on he looks like a class player, he looks to create changes for himself and others. I think when we are playing flat (in most 1st halves recently) he would make a positive difference and bridge the midfield/attack.

[Quack]

Felt a bit sorry for Basel, I didn't think they deserved that scoreline, plus their sponsor is a bit close to my heart.

Q - Who knows what novartis do?

A - It is strange to see drug companies freely able to advertise in Europe but not in the UK.

[Flopsy]

Is the Tugay goal anywhere online yet??

not that I can find

[blue phil]

Keep trying , Flopsy

[Neil Weaver]

How did Sterj and Chippers play?

You've no doubt got the gist that the whole Basel team did OK. I can't remember thinking at any time that anyone of them was a cut above or below anyone else on the pitch. Helpful eh . It was Chipperfield who dragged down MGP for the pen, but from where I was sat it was one of those pens that you'd be brassed off to be on the receiving end of. Thought he was in control of the situation then found MGP had got goalside.

[broadsword]

Chipperfield?

Sounds like a circus act.

[Ronin]

Fantastic result for lil ol Rovers. Although at half time I thought we'd be lucky to hang on for a draw, with Big Brad keeping us in it. Then out come Second-Half-Rovers, and kind of knew that we might be able to get something more out of the game. What the ferk does Hughes say at half time, definitely needs to do it at the start as well, as people have been saying.

Tugay - legend! If Sheringham can still play into his 40's, then hopefully a fully fit Kerimoglu can do the same thing.

Shame about Savage having to go off, and now losing him for a month, looks like Hughes may have rushed him back.

Bentley, Ooijer and Zurab were pretty good too.

All in all, another 3 points in the bag, still top of the group and a good addition to the goal difference should it go that far, and with Wisla losing again, helps with gap between 3rd & 4th.

Top stuff to Sparky and co!!!! Keep it going.

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

It does annoy me when fans say we were lucky last night. Having one of the best keepers in the Premiership isn't about luck. All because our star man happened to be the keeper doesn't mean we were lucky.

Over the 90 minutes I thought it a fairly even contest - they were the better team in the first half - us in the second. For every missed opportunity they had - I can easily point to one we had.

Two things struck me last night :-

1. We don't half miss Bert - Neill seems to move more central when going forward - whereas Bert (unusually for him) seems to stick to the touch line far more as an overlapping right back.

2. Grey looked very poor first half - but improved slightly in the second. Hopefully Bert will be back soon so we can get Neill back to left back.

[RoyRover]

Great result, but it sounds like there were some poor performances. With Savage out injuried, it's obvious now why so many people were calling for midfield reinforcements during the transfer window. We must be confident of qualifing for the next round now.

[grizfoot]

I thought 3-0 was very harsh on FC Basel. If it wasn't for Brad in goal we could have easily have lost that game. But a brilliant second half peformance especially from Tugay.

Also I thought MGP looked to be getting some of his form back.

Edited November 3, 2006 by grizfoot

[Eddie]

Is the Tugay goal anywhere online yet??

Eurosport are showing highlights all day

[thenodrog]

At the risk of incurring The Drog's wrath I must say that I would have liked to see Gallagher introduced 15 or 20 mins earlier yesterday to play up front with Benni .

That would mean that Jeffers would have to break both legs Phil cos even with one he'd still be in my team at CF before Gally.