There can be only one, Jihlava.

Week 8: FC Zbrojovka 5 - 1 FC Vysocina Jihlava

Back to rountine. No roadtrips, no stories out of the ordinary to tell. Back to plain old Gambrinus Liga heavyweight clashes. Meanwhile, in Brno, FC Vysocina Jihlava are welcomed to town.

These boys ride in style.

My level of expectation this week is cautionary; I know little of Jihlava and less of the football team. The name seemingly translates to FC Highlands Jihlava, and they share the honour of being Brno's fellow promotee from last season, only they managed to do so on merit having finished second.

While I away in Olomouc, Zbrojovka's fortune in Hradec Kralove was less than favourable. An insipid 2-0 loss the previous week dictates that there needs to be a strong showing; a return to form against a beatable team.

It's September still. The weather allows excitement to permeate through the stands. A good showing this week - 5500+ - and the expectation is set. A must win.

A canvas upon which to thrive.

Four - One, and a fire engine

I don't recall so much of the game. Brno took comfortable control of the game early on, and did look back. It was a commanding performance; Jihlava were dispatched with ease. A shame, as they brought a strong following but seemingly left their game plan (and maybe a player or two) on the team bus.

I have seem to have my own seat in the stadium; high in section L above the half-way line. I'm also starting to become known to the locals sitting around me. It has nothing to do with irreverent singing. Nothing. Nic.

My last tid-bit is about the stadium grub. Klobasa, a huge sausage, is served with bread, mustard and ketchup. Oh-so-simple, but oh-so-good. The perfect accompaniment for football. And beer. Or just beer. This is very popular here at all sporting and social events.