Week 2: FC Zbrojovka 5 - 1 Bohemians 1905
Aaaaah, football. Your six week summer break is far too long. Welcome back. You're forgiven as you bestow on the faithful a World Cup next summer. With Zbrojovka having the post-season testimonial, the hiatus seemed much less significant. New season, new aspirations, new football?
The season began last weekend, with an away trip to FK Baumit Jablonec, the reigning Czech Post Cup (Pohár České pošty) champions. They had already impressively added the Czech Super Cup to their trophy cabinet this season, winning 3-2 away to Plzen in the relatively new curtain raiser; it is the fourth edition, beginning only in 2010. Zbrojovka managed a 0-0 away from home, reduced to 10 men in the final minutes
Today, we welcome Bohemians 1905 - not to be confused with the same-logo-franchising FK Bohemians Prague. One of two promoted teams from the second division. They're from Prague, too. A must win for the Zbrojovka.
The game has been moved to Monday evening; weekday fixtures seem to be standard for Prague derbies. With the previous weekend seeing temperatures over 40 degrees, it is perhaps not the worst by-product of zealous regionalism. There is a forecasted threat of a storm which thankfully does not materialise this evening; the ominous overcast sky is little more than errant foreboding.
As the stage is set, Bohemians 1905 take the lead with a simple but effective passing goal in the sixth minute. A short pass on the edge pass of the box wrong-foots the entire defence, and an inch perfect cross sees Brno fall behind early on. On the plus side, I saw the goals this time, whereas last season's opening game was generally spent queuing in an understaffed stadium. 5025 attended today; down nearly 1000 from last year.
Brno equaliser midway through the first-half. A high ball into Mohamed Traore is flicked with the knee past the defender and smashed into the goal. Traore, the number 28, is not a player I particularly rate. He looks fantastic in pre-match warm-ups: inch-perfect control with a diverse range of passing. However, in the game, it deserts him completely. Perhaps a confidence player, lacking belief or mental strength to perform in the big games?
That theory holds up based on today's game. Traore pulls off a few slick dribbles and is generally a lot more involved in the game today, but his impact is curtailed by woeful control and wayward passing before being subbed off at the hour mark. Scoring the equaliser - turning the tie around - will have done the bold Mohamed no harm.
The other standout in today's game is Miroslav Markovic; this season's number nine and (perhaps) the heir apparent to Svancara. Two goals and won the (soft) penalty that the captain, Zavadil, converted straight down the middle. Today's performance was characterized by slick, passing football - combined with amazing weather it's the perfect start to the season. Fortress Srbska? With Sparta next up, we can hope.
GOAL HIGHLIGHTS [VIDEO]
The season began last weekend, with an away trip to FK Baumit Jablonec, the reigning Czech Post Cup (Pohár České pošty) champions. They had already impressively added the Czech Super Cup to their trophy cabinet this season, winning 3-2 away to Plzen in the relatively new curtain raiser; it is the fourth edition, beginning only in 2010. Zbrojovka managed a 0-0 away from home, reduced to 10 men in the final minutes
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| Going on with the show. Play ball! |
Today, we welcome Bohemians 1905 - not to be confused with the same-logo-franchising FK Bohemians Prague. One of two promoted teams from the second division. They're from Prague, too. A must win for the Zbrojovka.
The game has been moved to Monday evening; weekday fixtures seem to be standard for Prague derbies. With the previous weekend seeing temperatures over 40 degrees, it is perhaps not the worst by-product of zealous regionalism. There is a forecasted threat of a storm which thankfully does not materialise this evening; the ominous overcast sky is little more than errant foreboding.
 |
| A free-kick. Freeze frame. |
Brno equaliser midway through the first-half. A high ball into Mohamed Traore is flicked with the knee past the defender and smashed into the goal. Traore, the number 28, is not a player I particularly rate. He looks fantastic in pre-match warm-ups: inch-perfect control with a diverse range of passing. However, in the game, it deserts him completely. Perhaps a confidence player, lacking belief or mental strength to perform in the big games?
That theory holds up based on today's game. Traore pulls off a few slick dribbles and is generally a lot more involved in the game today, but his impact is curtailed by woeful control and wayward passing before being subbed off at the hour mark. Scoring the equaliser - turning the tie around - will have done the bold Mohamed no harm.
The other standout in today's game is Miroslav Markovic; this season's number nine and (perhaps) the heir apparent to Svancara. Two goals and won the (soft) penalty that the captain, Zavadil, converted straight down the middle. Today's performance was characterized by slick, passing football - combined with amazing weather it's the perfect start to the season. Fortress Srbska? With Sparta next up, we can hope.
GOAL HIGHLIGHTS [VIDEO]
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