Let's stop it right there.
Some teams I did not get around to assess, and will only briedly comment on:
St. Patrick's, Ireland: A good draw, 60% chance of winning
Qarabag: Not sure we wanna go to Azerbaijan, and this is a team with recent European experience not doing so badly at all: 55%
Jagiellonia: A new polish team that played Europa League qualifiers for the first time last season, losing to Aris from Greece. The Polish league has not impressed lately. 60%
Rabotnicki, Macedonia: 60%
Aktobe: Not sure I want to go to Kazakhstan either. The dominating team in Kazakh football over the last years, but never impressive in Europe and only 4th in the League currently. 65%
Vojvodina: Beat us twice in the Intertoto cup in the 90s. Good goalkeeper. 50%
Bohemians, Ireland: Plenty of European experience, but almost exclusively from losing. 70%
AEK Larnaca: Here I have a bit more: The played really well in the first half of the season, beyond expectations since they were coming from the second division (they got relegated for a year). In the second half of the season they simply collapsed, not enough depth in the team. The only managed two wins in the second half against small teams. In the play offs (6 games against the top 3 teams) they lost every single game and scored only one goal, pathetic really. Common point with Anorthosis is that they are restructuring too. Their technical director is none other that Jordi Croyf (aka son of Johan) so he manages to attract good transfer targets. For example they got Kevin Hofland (ex PSV) on their roster. So it remains to be seen whom they manage to attract. They could do well but they lack the 'big team" factor. 60%
Trnava, Slovakia: Unimpressive European record (save for the 70s). Were lucky to qualify. 60%
Dinamo Tbilsi: Team with a great past, including a cupwinners cup final in 1981 and semifinal in 1982. Recently returned to European play (beating Gefle last year, more than we failed to do this year...). 60%
Sarajevo: Beat Helsingborg in 2009, on penalties. Dangerous. 50%
Honka: The club where we once found Roni Porokara. Average in the Finnish league so far. 70%
Levadia Tallinn: Top team in Estonia but we should still be better: 70%
RNK Split: Played in the Croatian fourth division in 2008. Since then they have won everything until the ended 3rd in the top league during their first season. With some great players on the squad. 50%
Varazdin: Only 11th in the Croatian league, qualified by losing the cup final. Where we once found Nedim Halilovic. 60%
Overall, a 50% chance we will make it. Dream opponent is Lokomotiv Sofia. Worst possible draw is Maccabi Tel Aviv. On Monday we will know. Watch this space.
Friday 17 June 2011
I spy... Norway
Running out of time, and as we may face no less than three Norwegian teams, here they come all at once.
Things to know about Vålerenga
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Martin Andresen
Star: Luton Shelton
Links to Örebro: Both team were rumoured to chase Fulham fullback Fredrik Stoor in the January window. Stoor eventually signed for Vålerenga
Comment: Often referred to as the Hammarby of Norway. Teams that think it is an objective truth that they are charming have a tendency to make me vomit. But they have good fans and like Hammarby they are unpredictable. After a great last season they are now, soon midway through the Norwegian league, fighting relegation.
This is how we beat them: By being better than a Norwegian bottom team
Chance of Örebro winning: 60%
Things to know about Tromsø IL
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Per Mathias Høgmo
Star: Sigurd Rushfeldt, 38-year old striker who scored more goals in the Norwegian League than any other player, despite 10 or so years abroad. Played against Baresi in the 1994 World Cup.
Links to Örebro: Andriano Munoz was brought on to the Örebro squad from Tromsø. We remember him for a great goal against Gefle. Nothing else.
Comment: The arctic club brought up to the Norwegian top division for the first time by coach Tommy Svensson in 1990. That was enough to make him coach of Sweden. But Tromsø has stayed up ever since save for a one-year spell in 2002. The 3rd spot last year tied the result of 2008 as the best in the club’s history. In 2009 they made it to the Europa League Play off, just losing to Athletic Bilbao. The success is continuing this season, the team tops the Norwegian league, unbeaten after 10 games.
This is how we beat them: Despite a non-imposing squad, this will be tough. It’s not a high-scoring team, so if we can break the solid defence we have a good chance.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
Things to know about Ålesund
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: Fair play, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Kjetil Rekdal (83 caps for Norway!)
Star: Michael Barrantes Rojas, attacking midfielder
Links to Örebro: This is where we found (Örebro born) Magnus Kihlberg for the 2008 season. And one of the teams will get a star player back from the gold cup soon as Alejandro Bedoya (U.S) will face Jason Morrison (Jamaica) in the quarterfinals.
Comment: Feels like a fight between equals. Ålesund were fourth last year and are currently fourth in a league of similar strength despite having some more financial muscle (Ålesunds budget is about 50% higher than Örebro’s. A newcomer in the elite of Norwegian football, last season was their best ever and they debuted in the Europa League qualifier as cupwinners, losing to Motherwell in the 3rd round.
This is how we beat them: 2 players stand out from the rest: Cost Rican Rojas, mentioned above joined on loan last season and is now permanent and Jason Morrison, defender or defensive midfielder that was brought on for this season and who has 25 caps for Jamaica, was brought on from Strømgodset in the run up to this season.
Chance of Örebro winning: 50%.
Things to know about Vålerenga
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Martin Andresen
Star: Luton Shelton
Links to Örebro: Both team were rumoured to chase Fulham fullback Fredrik Stoor in the January window. Stoor eventually signed for Vålerenga
Comment: Often referred to as the Hammarby of Norway. Teams that think it is an objective truth that they are charming have a tendency to make me vomit. But they have good fans and like Hammarby they are unpredictable. After a great last season they are now, soon midway through the Norwegian league, fighting relegation.
This is how we beat them: By being better than a Norwegian bottom team
Chance of Örebro winning: 60%
Things to know about Tromsø IL
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Per Mathias Høgmo
Star: Sigurd Rushfeldt, 38-year old striker who scored more goals in the Norwegian League than any other player, despite 10 or so years abroad. Played against Baresi in the 1994 World Cup.
Links to Örebro: Andriano Munoz was brought on to the Örebro squad from Tromsø. We remember him for a great goal against Gefle. Nothing else.
Comment: The arctic club brought up to the Norwegian top division for the first time by coach Tommy Svensson in 1990. That was enough to make him coach of Sweden. But Tromsø has stayed up ever since save for a one-year spell in 2002. The 3rd spot last year tied the result of 2008 as the best in the club’s history. In 2009 they made it to the Europa League Play off, just losing to Athletic Bilbao. The success is continuing this season, the team tops the Norwegian league, unbeaten after 10 games.
This is how we beat them: Despite a non-imposing squad, this will be tough. It’s not a high-scoring team, so if we can break the solid defence we have a good chance.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
Things to know about Ålesund
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: Fair play, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Kjetil Rekdal (83 caps for Norway!)
Star: Michael Barrantes Rojas, attacking midfielder
Links to Örebro: This is where we found (Örebro born) Magnus Kihlberg for the 2008 season. And one of the teams will get a star player back from the gold cup soon as Alejandro Bedoya (U.S) will face Jason Morrison (Jamaica) in the quarterfinals.
Comment: Feels like a fight between equals. Ålesund were fourth last year and are currently fourth in a league of similar strength despite having some more financial muscle (Ålesunds budget is about 50% higher than Örebro’s. A newcomer in the elite of Norwegian football, last season was their best ever and they debuted in the Europa League qualifier as cupwinners, losing to Motherwell in the 3rd round.
This is how we beat them: 2 players stand out from the rest: Cost Rican Rojas, mentioned above joined on loan last season and is now permanent and Jason Morrison, defender or defensive midfielder that was brought on for this season and who has 25 caps for Jamaica, was brought on from Strømgodset in the run up to this season.
Chance of Örebro winning: 50%.
I spy... Norway
Running out of time, and as we may face no less than three Norwegian teams, here they come all at once.
Things to know about Vålerenga
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Martin Andresen
Star: Luton Shelton
Links to Örebro: Both team were rumoured to chase Fulham fullback Fredrik Stoor in the January window. Stoor eventually signed for Vålerenga
Comment: Often referred to as the Hammarby of Norway. Teams that think it is an objective truth that they are charming have a tendency to make me vomit. But they have good fans and like Hammarby they are unpredictable. After a great last season they are now, soon midway through the Norwegian league, fighting relegation.
This is how we beat them: By being better than a Norwegian bottom team
Chance of Örebro winning: 60%
Things to know about Tromsø IL
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Per Mathias Høgmo
Star: Sigurd Rushfeldt, 38-year old striker who scored more goals in the Norwegian League than any other player, despite 10 or so years abroad. Played against Baresi in the 1994 World Cup.
Links to Örebro: Andriano Munoz was brought on to the Örebro squad from Tromsø. We remember him for a great goal against Gefle. Nothing else.
Comment: The arctic club brought up to the Norwegian top division for the first time by coach Tommy Svensson in 1990. That was enough to make him coach of Sweden. But Tromsø has stayed up ever since save for a one-year spell in 2002. The 3rd spot last year tied the result of 2008 as the best in the club’s history. In 2009 they made it to the Europa League Play off, just losing to Athletic Bilbao. The success is continuing this season, the team tops the Norwegian league, unbeaten after 10 games.
This is how we beat them: Despite a non-imposing squad, this will be tough. It’s not a high-scoring team, so if we can break the solid defence we have a good chance.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
Things to know about Ålesund
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: Fair play, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Kjetil Rekdal (83 caps for Norway!)
Star: Michael Barrantes Rojas, attacking midfielder
Links to Örebro: This is where we found (Örebro born) Magnus Kihlberg for the 2008 season. And one of the teams will get a star player back from the gold cup soon as Alejandro Bedoya (U.S) will face Jason Morrison (Jamaica) in the quarterfinals.
Comment: Feels like a fight between equals. Ålesund were fourth last year and are currently fourth in a league of similar strength despite having some more financial muscle (Ålesunds budget is about 50% higher than Örebro’s. A newcomer in the elite of Norwegian football, last season was their best ever and they debuted in the Europa League qualifier as cupwinners, losing to Motherwell in the 3rd round.
This is how we beat them: 2 players stand out from the rest: Cost Rican Rojas, mentioned above joined on loan last season and is now permanent and Jason Morrison, defender or defensive midfielder that was brought on for this season and who has 25 caps for Jamaica, was brought on from Strømgodset in the run up to this season.
Chance of Örebro winning: 50%.
Things to know about Vålerenga
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Martin Andresen
Star: Luton Shelton
Links to Örebro: Both team were rumoured to chase Fulham fullback Fredrik Stoor in the January window. Stoor eventually signed for Vålerenga
Comment: Often referred to as the Hammarby of Norway. Teams that think it is an objective truth that they are charming have a tendency to make me vomit. But they have good fans and like Hammarby they are unpredictable. After a great last season they are now, soon midway through the Norwegian league, fighting relegation.
This is how we beat them: By being better than a Norwegian bottom team
Chance of Örebro winning: 60%
Things to know about Tromsø IL
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Per Mathias Høgmo
Star: Sigurd Rushfeldt, 38-year old striker who scored more goals in the Norwegian League than any other player, despite 10 or so years abroad. Played against Baresi in the 1994 World Cup.
Links to Örebro: Andriano Munoz was brought on to the Örebro squad from Tromsø. We remember him for a great goal against Gefle. Nothing else.
Comment: The arctic club brought up to the Norwegian top division for the first time by coach Tommy Svensson in 1990. That was enough to make him coach of Sweden. But Tromsø has stayed up ever since save for a one-year spell in 2002. The 3rd spot last year tied the result of 2008 as the best in the club’s history. In 2009 they made it to the Europa League Play off, just losing to Athletic Bilbao. The success is continuing this season, the team tops the Norwegian league, unbeaten after 10 games.
This is how we beat them: Despite a non-imposing squad, this will be tough. It’s not a high-scoring team, so if we can break the solid defence we have a good chance.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
Things to know about Ålesund
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: Fair play, entering in the 1st round
Coach: Kjetil Rekdal (83 caps for Norway!)
Star: Michael Barrantes Rojas, attacking midfielder
Links to Örebro: This is where we found (Örebro born) Magnus Kihlberg for the 2008 season. And one of the teams will get a star player back from the gold cup soon as Alejandro Bedoya (U.S) will face Jason Morrison (Jamaica) in the quarterfinals.
Comment: Feels like a fight between equals. Ålesund were fourth last year and are currently fourth in a league of similar strength despite having some more financial muscle (Ålesunds budget is about 50% higher than Örebro’s. A newcomer in the elite of Norwegian football, last season was their best ever and they debuted in the Europa League qualifier as cupwinners, losing to Motherwell in the 3rd round.
This is how we beat them: 2 players stand out from the rest: Cost Rican Rojas, mentioned above joined on loan last season and is now permanent and Jason Morrison, defender or defensive midfielder that was brought on for this season and who has 25 caps for Jamaica, was brought on from Strømgodset in the run up to this season.
Chance of Örebro winning: 50%.
I spy... FC Thun (XXII)
Things to know about Thun
Last season: 5th
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Bernard Challandes
Star: Ezequiel Scarione
Links to Örebro: Say Thun and former Örebro striker Nicklas Skoog will start to shiver. Malmö FF had a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League in 2005, but underestimated the little Swiss club. They shouldn’t have.
Comment: Thun raise and fell quickly. The big surprise runner-up of the 2004/05 SwissLeague, a EUR2 million team from a small town, went into the Champions League qualifiers with low expectations. But Thun first beat Ukraine giant Dynamo Kyiv 3-2 on aggregate, and then thrashed Malmö FF 4-0 to qualify for the group stage. And by beating Sparta Prague at home and drawing away, it qualified for the UEFA Cup knock out stage where they finally lost to Hamburg. After that, it was all downhill for the club. Not only did they drop down the Swiss table until finally being relegated in 2008. In 2007, the news broke that most of the team had had sex with one and the same 15-year old girl. Several players were fines for sex with a minor, two were charged with rape but found not guilty. Now the team is back with a clean slate, winning the second division in 2010 and earning a 5th spot in their first season back in the top flight. However, success coach Murat Yakin has now left the club, being replaced with the fast-moving Bernard Challandes. They have also lost German star Proschwitz.
This is how we beat them: They are hard to beat, actually, but they draw a lot. So scoring away seems important.
Chance of Örebro winning: They probably over-performed this season, but let’s not underestimate them yet again. 50%
Last season: 5th
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Bernard Challandes
Star: Ezequiel Scarione
Links to Örebro: Say Thun and former Örebro striker Nicklas Skoog will start to shiver. Malmö FF had a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League in 2005, but underestimated the little Swiss club. They shouldn’t have.
Comment: Thun raise and fell quickly. The big surprise runner-up of the 2004/05 SwissLeague, a EUR2 million team from a small town, went into the Champions League qualifiers with low expectations. But Thun first beat Ukraine giant Dynamo Kyiv 3-2 on aggregate, and then thrashed Malmö FF 4-0 to qualify for the group stage. And by beating Sparta Prague at home and drawing away, it qualified for the UEFA Cup knock out stage where they finally lost to Hamburg. After that, it was all downhill for the club. Not only did they drop down the Swiss table until finally being relegated in 2008. In 2007, the news broke that most of the team had had sex with one and the same 15-year old girl. Several players were fines for sex with a minor, two were charged with rape but found not guilty. Now the team is back with a clean slate, winning the second division in 2010 and earning a 5th spot in their first season back in the top flight. However, success coach Murat Yakin has now left the club, being replaced with the fast-moving Bernard Challandes. They have also lost German star Proschwitz.
This is how we beat them: They are hard to beat, actually, but they draw a lot. So scoring away seems important.
Chance of Örebro winning: They probably over-performed this season, but let’s not underestimate them yet again. 50%
Thursday 16 June 2011
I spy... Ventspils (XXI)
Things to know about Ventspils
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: Cup winner
Coach: Sergei Podpaly
Star: Sukhanov
Links to Örebro: In March 2002, the teams played a pre-season friendly against each other in Latvia. Veterans Anttonen and Nordback participated in the 1-1 draw, where Jon Lundblad scored
Comment: How come a Latvian team is seeded in the 2nd round? It takes a bit of work to get there, and since Ventspils was created and entered the “Virsliga” they have the following streak: 4-3-3-2-2-2-3-3-3-1-1-1-2-2 (mostly second to Skonto). Unlike Skonto, Ventspils are not against bringing Russians on the team. Last year they were second and thus missed the Champions League qualifier, but it may be the only team that already now can be pretty sure they will be there next year. Latvia plays spring-autumn (like Sweden) and so far this year Ventspils have 11 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses and a goal difference of 39-2! But then again, it is the Latvian league. At European level, they only got anywhere was in 09/10, when they beat Bate Borisov to get to Champions League play-off which they lost but earned a spot in the Europa League group stage where they got 3 points after draws at home to Heerenveen and away to Hertha Berlin and Sporting Lisbon.
This is how we beat them: Despite the 39 goals in 12 games, Ventspils strength is in defence. Their three national team players are all defenders, captain Savcenkovs and yougsters Bespalovs and Rugins. Up front, new Sukhanov is top scorer of the league so far. One could argue that it should be hard for such a new team, 16 players came on for this season, but clearly everything clicks. I name us favourites, but just.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: Cup winner
Coach: Sergei Podpaly
Star: Sukhanov
Links to Örebro: In March 2002, the teams played a pre-season friendly against each other in Latvia. Veterans Anttonen and Nordback participated in the 1-1 draw, where Jon Lundblad scored
Comment: How come a Latvian team is seeded in the 2nd round? It takes a bit of work to get there, and since Ventspils was created and entered the “Virsliga” they have the following streak: 4-3-3-2-2-2-3-3-3-1-1-1-2-2 (mostly second to Skonto). Unlike Skonto, Ventspils are not against bringing Russians on the team. Last year they were second and thus missed the Champions League qualifier, but it may be the only team that already now can be pretty sure they will be there next year. Latvia plays spring-autumn (like Sweden) and so far this year Ventspils have 11 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses and a goal difference of 39-2! But then again, it is the Latvian league. At European level, they only got anywhere was in 09/10, when they beat Bate Borisov to get to Champions League play-off which they lost but earned a spot in the Europa League group stage where they got 3 points after draws at home to Heerenveen and away to Hertha Berlin and Sporting Lisbon.
This is how we beat them: Despite the 39 goals in 12 games, Ventspils strength is in defence. Their three national team players are all defenders, captain Savcenkovs and yougsters Bespalovs and Rugins. Up front, new Sukhanov is top scorer of the league so far. One could argue that it should be hard for such a new team, 16 players came on for this season, but clearly everything clicks. I name us favourites, but just.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
I spy... Gaz Metan (XX)
Things to know about Gaz Metan
Last season: 7th
Qualified through: League position (Since Timisoara was kicked out of the league)
Coach: Cristian Pustai
Star: Eric Pereira
Links to Örebro: Only the black and white colours
Comment: As the serious researcher I am, I contacted my only source of Romanian football. She jumped when I wanted info on Gaz Metan. Not because of the football club but because she is now director of the Competition Council’s Directorate for Industry and Energy. And Gaz Metan simply means “methane gas”, what the home city, Medias I Transylvania, is famous for. Gaz Metan the team is yet to make the town famous, it has only made a few seasons in the top division and the 7th position last season was by far the best result ever.
This is how we beat them: Gaz Metan earned the spot in Europe by finishing 7th in the domestic league. The Romanian league may have been hot a few years ago when Cluj was investing hard and the top teams still deserve respect, but 7th placed Gaz is not so intimidating. We just have to watch out for Brazilian Eric Pereira, who was second best in the Romanian goal scoring league this season and who plays as a number 10 (albeit with number 27) in Gaz Metan’s 4-2-3-1 line-up.
Chance of Örebro winning: 60%
Last season: 7th
Qualified through: League position (Since Timisoara was kicked out of the league)
Coach: Cristian Pustai
Star: Eric Pereira
Links to Örebro: Only the black and white colours
Comment: As the serious researcher I am, I contacted my only source of Romanian football. She jumped when I wanted info on Gaz Metan. Not because of the football club but because she is now director of the Competition Council’s Directorate for Industry and Energy. And Gaz Metan simply means “methane gas”, what the home city, Medias I Transylvania, is famous for. Gaz Metan the team is yet to make the town famous, it has only made a few seasons in the top division and the 7th position last season was by far the best result ever.
This is how we beat them: Gaz Metan earned the spot in Europe by finishing 7th in the domestic league. The Romanian league may have been hot a few years ago when Cluj was investing hard and the top teams still deserve respect, but 7th placed Gaz is not so intimidating. We just have to watch out for Brazilian Eric Pereira, who was second best in the Romanian goal scoring league this season and who plays as a number 10 (albeit with number 27) in Gaz Metan’s 4-2-3-1 line-up.
Chance of Örebro winning: 60%
I spy... Jablonec (XIX)
Things to know about Jablonec
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League Position
Coach: František Komňacký
Star: David Lafata
Links to Örebro: We have a sorry European record, we know. Leaving aside the Intertoto Cup, we have beaten only two teams. At the first occasion, against Avenir Beggen from Luxembourg, we used too many non-Swedish players and were disqualified. So there is really just one team. And that team is – Jablonec. In 1997, we qualified for the main UEFA Cup tournament after beating Jablonec on away goals, no goals in Örebro and 1-1 in Bohemia.
Comment: Jablonec is a small town in what is sometimes called Sudetenland (before the World War II primarily inhabited by Teutonics). Jablonec’s first spell in the elite group of Czech football was back when the teams last met. The last few years, under coach Komňacký, the team is back in the top, finishing 2nd last season and 3rd this one. The team did however not impress in the Europa League qualifier last year: the team was beaten badly by Apoel Nicosia.
This is how we beat them: Jablonec were lethal in the league last year, much thanks to prolific striker Lafata, top scorer in the Czech league and a regular in the national team. Lafata is now a target in this summer’s transfer market, and without him Jablonec will look less threatening.
Chance of Örebro winning: 50%
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League Position
Coach: František Komňacký
Star: David Lafata
Links to Örebro: We have a sorry European record, we know. Leaving aside the Intertoto Cup, we have beaten only two teams. At the first occasion, against Avenir Beggen from Luxembourg, we used too many non-Swedish players and were disqualified. So there is really just one team. And that team is – Jablonec. In 1997, we qualified for the main UEFA Cup tournament after beating Jablonec on away goals, no goals in Örebro and 1-1 in Bohemia.
Comment: Jablonec is a small town in what is sometimes called Sudetenland (before the World War II primarily inhabited by Teutonics). Jablonec’s first spell in the elite group of Czech football was back when the teams last met. The last few years, under coach Komňacký, the team is back in the top, finishing 2nd last season and 3rd this one. The team did however not impress in the Europa League qualifier last year: the team was beaten badly by Apoel Nicosia.
This is how we beat them: Jablonec were lethal in the league last year, much thanks to prolific striker Lafata, top scorer in the Czech league and a regular in the national team. Lafata is now a target in this summer’s transfer market, and without him Jablonec will look less threatening.
Chance of Örebro winning: 50%
Cruel summer
Örebro SK's winning streak is now up to 5 after the win i the cup quarterfinal last night, despite a schedule after the short break that has been, is and will be exhausing for the lads. We've only seen the beginning.
This schedule will test the depth of the squad in what for the club is an unprecedented manner. Haddad is still injured and some others have minor problems, Almebäck will leave at the end of June and there may be other transfers (in particular Bedoya is expected to go). On top of that, Bedoya will be away for as long as the U.S. stays in the Gold Cup (quarterfinal against Jamaica on Sunday 19 June, possible semi on 22 June and final on 25 June). Yasin has been hob-nobbing with the national team of Iraq for a week but should be back soon.
But the attack is the least of my concern. We have enough players to rotate and give tired players the necessary rest. I'm more concerned about the midfield and the defence. Assuming we will lose not only Almebäck but also Bedoya, we will be very evry stretched until we have a chance to replace them in early August. If we get an injury on Haginge or Wikstöm we are absolutely screwed as we have no other central defenders; Nordback and Anttonen could play in that role but it's far from ideal. And in the midfield Kihlberg and Nilsson need to up their game. And Berger needs to show that he is of allsvenskan quality, he will get his chances.
Here's the summer schedule:
13 June: Trelleborg (home) 4-2 (League)
15 June: Åtvidaberg (away) 0-3 (Cup)
18 June: Halmstad (home, league)
23 June: Djurgården (home, league)
26 June: Mjällby (away, league)
29 June: Cup, semifinal (may possibly be moved, seems like a good idea)
3 July: Elfsborg (home, league)
10 July: Elfsborg (away, league)
14 July: Europa League, 2nd round 1st leg
17 July: Gais (away, league)
21 July: Europa League, 2nd round 2nd leg
24 July: Norrköping (home, league)
28 July: (Hopefully) Europa League, 3nd round 1st leg
31 July: Gefle (home, league)
4 August: (Hopefully) Europa League, 3nd round 2st leg
7 August: Häcken (home, league)
14 August: Djurgården (away, league)
18 August: (Possibly) Europa League, Play off 1st leg
21 August: Mjällby (home, league)
25 August: (Possibly) Europa League, Play off 2nd leg
28 August: Helsingborg (away, league)
This schedule will test the depth of the squad in what for the club is an unprecedented manner. Haddad is still injured and some others have minor problems, Almebäck will leave at the end of June and there may be other transfers (in particular Bedoya is expected to go). On top of that, Bedoya will be away for as long as the U.S. stays in the Gold Cup (quarterfinal against Jamaica on Sunday 19 June, possible semi on 22 June and final on 25 June). Yasin has been hob-nobbing with the national team of Iraq for a week but should be back soon.
But the attack is the least of my concern. We have enough players to rotate and give tired players the necessary rest. I'm more concerned about the midfield and the defence. Assuming we will lose not only Almebäck but also Bedoya, we will be very evry stretched until we have a chance to replace them in early August. If we get an injury on Haginge or Wikstöm we are absolutely screwed as we have no other central defenders; Nordback and Anttonen could play in that role but it's far from ideal. And in the midfield Kihlberg and Nilsson need to up their game. And Berger needs to show that he is of allsvenskan quality, he will get his chances.
Here's the summer schedule:
13 June: Trelleborg (home) 4-2 (League)
15 June: Åtvidaberg (away) 0-3 (Cup)
18 June: Halmstad (home, league)
23 June: Djurgården (home, league)
26 June: Mjällby (away, league)
29 June: Cup, semifinal (may possibly be moved, seems like a good idea)
3 July: Elfsborg (home, league)
10 July: Elfsborg (away, league)
14 July: Europa League, 2nd round 1st leg
17 July: Gais (away, league)
21 July: Europa League, 2nd round 2nd leg
24 July: Norrköping (home, league)
28 July: (Hopefully) Europa League, 3nd round 1st leg
31 July: Gefle (home, league)
4 August: (Hopefully) Europa League, 3nd round 2st leg
7 August: Häcken (home, league)
14 August: Djurgården (away, league)
18 August: (Possibly) Europa League, Play off 1st leg
21 August: Mjällby (home, league)
25 August: (Possibly) Europa League, Play off 2nd leg
28 August: Helsingborg (away, league)
Wednesday 15 June 2011
I spy... Westerlo (XVIII)
Things to know about Westerlo
Last season: 8th in the league, won Play Off 2
Qualified through: Play Off 2 winners / cup runners up
Coach: Jan Ceulemans
Star: Jan Ceulemans is still the star, after him maybe Elrio van Heerden or long-serving captain Jef Delen.
Links to Örebro: Almost every player in Sweden is now linked to the Belgian league, but so far not to little Westerlo.
Comment: The big surprise of Belgian football last year, tiny Westerlo (7,000) inhabitants lead by the great Ceulemans qualified for European play in the weird Belgian system: When the league was done after 30 round, Westerlo was 8th and thus not in the championship Play Off (the top 6 teams qualify). But Westerlo did well in the second tier and made it to a second tier play off (Play Off 2) which they won against Cercle Brugge. Then they were meant to play a Europa League play-off game against FC Brugge but since the Belgian Cup spot was open (Westerlo lost the final to Standard) that game was never played. Brugge qualified for the 3rd round, Westerlo to the 2nd.
This is how we beat them: My source describe the team as a team with a “nothing-to-lose” attitude that has taken them a long way. A nice little team but far from a powerhouse in Belgian football. A mid-table team that had a happy ending to the season, not scarier than that. And large reason behind Westerlo’s success is gone: Brazilian loan Paulo Henrique has now signed for Red Star Belgrade. The team has now a new Brazilian Lilu, and Peruvian national team player Chavez, who on the other hand has not proven very effective in front of the goal. But before we dismiss Westerlo as hopeless farmers, let’s remember that the team has a turnover of about 1 million Euro more than Örebro. Still, I would consider us as slight favourites, in particular the defence does not look impressive.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
Last season: 8th in the league, won Play Off 2
Qualified through: Play Off 2 winners / cup runners up
Coach: Jan Ceulemans
Star: Jan Ceulemans is still the star, after him maybe Elrio van Heerden or long-serving captain Jef Delen.
Links to Örebro: Almost every player in Sweden is now linked to the Belgian league, but so far not to little Westerlo.
Comment: The big surprise of Belgian football last year, tiny Westerlo (7,000) inhabitants lead by the great Ceulemans qualified for European play in the weird Belgian system: When the league was done after 30 round, Westerlo was 8th and thus not in the championship Play Off (the top 6 teams qualify). But Westerlo did well in the second tier and made it to a second tier play off (Play Off 2) which they won against Cercle Brugge. Then they were meant to play a Europa League play-off game against FC Brugge but since the Belgian Cup spot was open (Westerlo lost the final to Standard) that game was never played. Brugge qualified for the 3rd round, Westerlo to the 2nd.
This is how we beat them: My source describe the team as a team with a “nothing-to-lose” attitude that has taken them a long way. A nice little team but far from a powerhouse in Belgian football. A mid-table team that had a happy ending to the season, not scarier than that. And large reason behind Westerlo’s success is gone: Brazilian loan Paulo Henrique has now signed for Red Star Belgrade. The team has now a new Brazilian Lilu, and Peruvian national team player Chavez, who on the other hand has not proven very effective in front of the goal. But before we dismiss Westerlo as hopeless farmers, let’s remember that the team has a turnover of about 1 million Euro more than Örebro. Still, I would consider us as slight favourites, in particular the defence does not look impressive.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
I spy... Maccabi Tel Aviv (XVII)
Things to know about Maccabi Tel Aviv
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Motti Ivanir
Star: Gal Alberman
Links to Örebro: Örebro negotiated with Maccabi Tel Aviv (and more famously with Maccabi Haifa) of a transfer of Roni Porokara last year. No deal was made.
Comment: Maccabi Tel Aviv is the most successful club in the history of Israeli football, and on its way back with largely a new team after a bad spell in the mid-2000s after the 2005 participation in the Champions League (drawn in a group with Bayern, Juventus and Ajax, Maccabi did well to win 4 points)
This is how we beat them: A team with several Israeli national team members such as captain Gal Alberman at midfield, double-footed right defender Yoav Ziv and midfielder Maor Buzaglo. Up front, best goal scorer is Eliran Atar. These players have not been together for long and there is a risk that they will only improve.
Chance of Örebro winning: If the new team from last year stays intact, this looks like a very difficult draw: 35%
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Motti Ivanir
Star: Gal Alberman
Links to Örebro: Örebro negotiated with Maccabi Tel Aviv (and more famously with Maccabi Haifa) of a transfer of Roni Porokara last year. No deal was made.
Comment: Maccabi Tel Aviv is the most successful club in the history of Israeli football, and on its way back with largely a new team after a bad spell in the mid-2000s after the 2005 participation in the Champions League (drawn in a group with Bayern, Juventus and Ajax, Maccabi did well to win 4 points)
This is how we beat them: A team with several Israeli national team members such as captain Gal Alberman at midfield, double-footed right defender Yoav Ziv and midfielder Maor Buzaglo. Up front, best goal scorer is Eliran Atar. These players have not been together for long and there is a risk that they will only improve.
Chance of Örebro winning: If the new team from last year stays intact, this looks like a very difficult draw: 35%
I spy... Midtjylland (XVI)
Things to know about Midtjylland
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Glen Riddersholm (who except for a short break was there even before the club was there, in 1995 he started coaching Ikast’s youth team, before the merger created Midtjylland)
Star:
Links to Örebro: Ken Fagerberg and Örebro starlet at the time Kristoffer Näfver played one match together in the Swedish U 21 national team in 2008. Näfver was then a regular (he was replaced by Bajrami, now a starter in the real national team. Poor Näfver plays third tier football in Sweden).
Comment: A result of one of few successful football megers in 199. Midtjylland was the first Danish team to invest in a football academy for young players, French style (copying Nantes). Which is honourable in one way, but on the other morally borderline; the club has received a lot of domestic criticism for exploiting young players and for luring them to the club at a too young an age. Most famous is the example with players from the team’s Nigerian satellite club Ebedei. But the young academy is also full of success stories such as Simon Kjaer, and today’s squad is full of talented 22-year olds such as keeper Jonas Lössl, on the brink of the national team, defender Jesper Juelsgård Kristensen and Swedish striker Ken Fagerberg (whose career has taken a downturn). Behind them, the squad is full of even younger talents such as Albaek. But they also have merited players such as defender Martin Albrechtsen, winger Borring and midfielder Jakob Poulsen.
This is how we beat them: Need to respect. The Danish league is raising on the ranking and although this is much thanks to FC Copenhagen, Midtjylland was one of two teams to beat FCK last season. Midtjylland has also performed decently at European level, constantly beating the more beatable opponents and only losing to bigger teams (Sporting Lisbon, Anderlecht, CSKA Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and Manchester City). But they have lost most of their goal scoring abilities since last year’s two best scorers have left the team. Frank Kristensen left already in January, after 104 goals for the club, and Thygesen went to Bröndby this summer. The club is now looking at Esbjerg’s Dutch striker Tim Janssen, which could be a good match.
Chance of Örebro winning: 45%
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Glen Riddersholm (who except for a short break was there even before the club was there, in 1995 he started coaching Ikast’s youth team, before the merger created Midtjylland)
Star:
Links to Örebro: Ken Fagerberg and Örebro starlet at the time Kristoffer Näfver played one match together in the Swedish U 21 national team in 2008. Näfver was then a regular (he was replaced by Bajrami, now a starter in the real national team. Poor Näfver plays third tier football in Sweden).
Comment: A result of one of few successful football megers in 199. Midtjylland was the first Danish team to invest in a football academy for young players, French style (copying Nantes). Which is honourable in one way, but on the other morally borderline; the club has received a lot of domestic criticism for exploiting young players and for luring them to the club at a too young an age. Most famous is the example with players from the team’s Nigerian satellite club Ebedei. But the young academy is also full of success stories such as Simon Kjaer, and today’s squad is full of talented 22-year olds such as keeper Jonas Lössl, on the brink of the national team, defender Jesper Juelsgård Kristensen and Swedish striker Ken Fagerberg (whose career has taken a downturn). Behind them, the squad is full of even younger talents such as Albaek. But they also have merited players such as defender Martin Albrechtsen, winger Borring and midfielder Jakob Poulsen.
This is how we beat them: Need to respect. The Danish league is raising on the ranking and although this is much thanks to FC Copenhagen, Midtjylland was one of two teams to beat FCK last season. Midtjylland has also performed decently at European level, constantly beating the more beatable opponents and only losing to bigger teams (Sporting Lisbon, Anderlecht, CSKA Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and Manchester City). But they have lost most of their goal scoring abilities since last year’s two best scorers have left the team. Frank Kristensen left already in January, after 104 goals for the club, and Thygesen went to Bröndby this summer. The club is now looking at Esbjerg’s Dutch striker Tim Janssen, which could be a good match.
Chance of Örebro winning: 45%
I spy... Bnei Yehuda (XV)
Things to know about Bnei Yehuda
Last season: 4th in play-off (5th in League)
Qualified through: Play-off position
Coach: Yossi Abukakis
Star: Dele Aiyenuguba
Links to Örebro: Both have an all-black away team
Comment: An up and coming team in Israel that have gained a bit of experience through playing European qualifiers three times in the last few years, 2006, 2009 and 2010. The only impressive win was in 2009 over Pacos Ferreira, last year the team lost to Irish Shamrock Rovers. Big profile is Nigerian keeper Dele Aiyenuguba, with 39 caps, who replaced even bigger profile, compatriot Vincent Enyeama in 2007.
This is how we beat them: Not much on this team. Seems we have to control Argentine striker Pedro Galvan.
Chance of Örebro winning: This is clearly a bad draw. A long trip to play an unattractive team, yet one of the best ranked that does not give us a seeding in the third round. I would like to avoid – 40%.
Last season: 4th in play-off (5th in League)
Qualified through: Play-off position
Coach: Yossi Abukakis
Star: Dele Aiyenuguba
Links to Örebro: Both have an all-black away team
Comment: An up and coming team in Israel that have gained a bit of experience through playing European qualifiers three times in the last few years, 2006, 2009 and 2010. The only impressive win was in 2009 over Pacos Ferreira, last year the team lost to Irish Shamrock Rovers. Big profile is Nigerian keeper Dele Aiyenuguba, with 39 caps, who replaced even bigger profile, compatriot Vincent Enyeama in 2007.
This is how we beat them: Not much on this team. Seems we have to control Argentine striker Pedro Galvan.
Chance of Örebro winning: This is clearly a bad draw. A long trip to play an unattractive team, yet one of the best ranked that does not give us a seeding in the third round. I would like to avoid – 40%.
I spy... Dundee United (XIV)
Things to know about Dundee United
Last season: 4th in the Scotish Premier League
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Peter Houston
Star: David Goodwillie
Links to Örebro: Sometimes this is not so hard. I covered the friendly between the game in the summer of 1997, when ex-Örebro player Lars Zetterlund had convinced the Tangerines to come to Örebro for pre-season training. Unfortunately for Örebro, the game resulted in Dundee signing another two Örebro star players, Mikael Steen and Siggi Jonson. Magnus Sköldmark, formerly Örebro and also currently responsible for player transfers at the club, also joined Dundee in the late 90s to create an Örebro colony in the Northeast of Scotland.
Comment: The glorious period of Dundee Utd (during the years of super star David Narey) coincides with IFK Gothenburg’s, back in the 80s where two teams of that calibre could appear in the UEFA cup final (IFK beat Utd in the 1987 final) or come very close to a European Cup final (both Dundee and IFK made it to the semis (1984 and 1986, respectively), won convincingly at home but lost badly away). I have not managed to find out if there is any relationship between new Dundee United signing Willo Flood and last year’s unsuccessful Örebro striker Anthony Flood, but since there is only three and a half months between them I gather they are not brothers (to short a time frame even for an Irish mother)
This is how we beat them: A team that produced some big results away from home last season, including a win at Glasgow Rangers and a draw at Celtic. It was also close to qualifying for the group stage of Europa League, losing 1-2 on aggregate to AEK in the play-off round. Already capped young striker David Goodwillie scored 18 goals last season but has also been charged with rape and involved in a number of assault cases. He is half of a lethal, young attacking pair together with starlet Johnny Russell, and the club has a weighting in attack with club captain Jon Daly also being a striker. Clearly with Hearts the team on the level below Celtic and Rangers in Scotland. What does that mean? Scottish teams have not been terrifying in Europa League the past few years, but I feel the Scottish style of playing is not ideal for us.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%, which must be considered a bad draw as unless Fulham or Elfsborg lose in the first round beating Dundee Utd will not give us a seeding in the 3rd round
Last season: 4th in the Scotish Premier League
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Peter Houston
Star: David Goodwillie
Links to Örebro: Sometimes this is not so hard. I covered the friendly between the game in the summer of 1997, when ex-Örebro player Lars Zetterlund had convinced the Tangerines to come to Örebro for pre-season training. Unfortunately for Örebro, the game resulted in Dundee signing another two Örebro star players, Mikael Steen and Siggi Jonson. Magnus Sköldmark, formerly Örebro and also currently responsible for player transfers at the club, also joined Dundee in the late 90s to create an Örebro colony in the Northeast of Scotland.
Comment: The glorious period of Dundee Utd (during the years of super star David Narey) coincides with IFK Gothenburg’s, back in the 80s where two teams of that calibre could appear in the UEFA cup final (IFK beat Utd in the 1987 final) or come very close to a European Cup final (both Dundee and IFK made it to the semis (1984 and 1986, respectively), won convincingly at home but lost badly away). I have not managed to find out if there is any relationship between new Dundee United signing Willo Flood and last year’s unsuccessful Örebro striker Anthony Flood, but since there is only three and a half months between them I gather they are not brothers (to short a time frame even for an Irish mother)
This is how we beat them: A team that produced some big results away from home last season, including a win at Glasgow Rangers and a draw at Celtic. It was also close to qualifying for the group stage of Europa League, losing 1-2 on aggregate to AEK in the play-off round. Already capped young striker David Goodwillie scored 18 goals last season but has also been charged with rape and involved in a number of assault cases. He is half of a lethal, young attacking pair together with starlet Johnny Russell, and the club has a weighting in attack with club captain Jon Daly also being a striker. Clearly with Hearts the team on the level below Celtic and Rangers in Scotland. What does that mean? Scottish teams have not been terrifying in Europa League the past few years, but I feel the Scottish style of playing is not ideal for us.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%, which must be considered a bad draw as unless Fulham or Elfsborg lose in the first round beating Dundee Utd will not give us a seeding in the 3rd round
I spy... Olympiakos Volou (XIII)
Things to know about Olympiakos Volou
Last season: 5th after regular season, 4th in play-off (which excludes champions Olympiakos)
Qualified through: Play-off position
Coach: Javi Garcia
Star: Mario Breska
Links to Örebro: Not that we would ever want to be linked to him but Dulee Johnson, formerly with Häcken and AIK, has recently been linked with the club.
Comment: A newcomer on the European scene, and indeed a newcomer in the Greek League last season. After 20 years away from a top flight where they had never been impressive (a few spells from the 60s onwards but never before placed better than 11th), the club made it to fifth place in the league, qualifying the team for a play-off between team 2-5 where they beat both AEK Athens and Panathinaikos at home. Olympiakos Volou is a satellite team of Olympiakos, the dominating team in Greek football. One of the stars of the team, Hungarian national team striker Kristian Nemeth, is on loan from Olympiakos. Other national team players of the team is fellow Hungarian Zoltan Szelesi, defender (who was on the bench during the qualifier against Sweden last year), and Slovaks Mario Breska and Peter Dolezaj. Breska on the wing seems like the biggest threat to our defence.
This is how we beat them: Despite having a record season, things are not all at peace in Volos. Coach Tsioli resigned in February allegedly after the club president had a row with a striker who failed to score against Iraklis, and team fans who are not keen on the “satellite” status toward Olympiakos have been protesting hard. Only last week was a new coach, Spaniard Javi Garcia, hired. Our best chance is that the team will not be ready quite yet.
Chance of Örebro winning: The lowest ranked team that will ensure a seeding also in the third round. A team without European experience. But still a team from a much better league. 35%.
Last season: 5th after regular season, 4th in play-off (which excludes champions Olympiakos)
Qualified through: Play-off position
Coach: Javi Garcia
Star: Mario Breska
Links to Örebro: Not that we would ever want to be linked to him but Dulee Johnson, formerly with Häcken and AIK, has recently been linked with the club.
Comment: A newcomer on the European scene, and indeed a newcomer in the Greek League last season. After 20 years away from a top flight where they had never been impressive (a few spells from the 60s onwards but never before placed better than 11th), the club made it to fifth place in the league, qualifying the team for a play-off between team 2-5 where they beat both AEK Athens and Panathinaikos at home. Olympiakos Volou is a satellite team of Olympiakos, the dominating team in Greek football. One of the stars of the team, Hungarian national team striker Kristian Nemeth, is on loan from Olympiakos. Other national team players of the team is fellow Hungarian Zoltan Szelesi, defender (who was on the bench during the qualifier against Sweden last year), and Slovaks Mario Breska and Peter Dolezaj. Breska on the wing seems like the biggest threat to our defence.
This is how we beat them: Despite having a record season, things are not all at peace in Volos. Coach Tsioli resigned in February allegedly after the club president had a row with a striker who failed to score against Iraklis, and team fans who are not keen on the “satellite” status toward Olympiakos have been protesting hard. Only last week was a new coach, Spaniard Javi Garcia, hired. Our best chance is that the team will not be ready quite yet.
Chance of Örebro winning: The lowest ranked team that will ensure a seeding also in the third round. A team without European experience. But still a team from a much better league. 35%.
MVP - jag vill leva jag vill dö med Nordin
How do you measure the most valuabe player of your team? There are, as far as I can see it, three measurable criteria that hopefully captures most of the unmeasurable criteria too: quantity (minutes played), quality (how well you played) and result (how the team fared when you played). That means that goals, assists and such are put to the side as different players are supposed to do different things.
I had a look at Örebro's league season so far, using these criteria on the 15 players that have played enough games to make an impact. For the quantity guys, I take my hat off, but the importance of you being around all the time is too obvious. Instead I selected my top 5 based on the other two criteria.
1. Nordin Gerzic. The story from last year is repeating itself this year: when Nordin plays well, we win, when he doesn't we're in trouble, if he doesn't play at all we lose. Nordin is the spider in the web, the engine room of Örebro's creativity, without which we simple do not function. I witnessed live the warm up against AIK this spring, when Nordin injured his thigh. I can say now with some confidence that had that not happened, we would now be top of the table. Örebro has played three games without Nordin and lost them all. With him, we won six, drew one (against top of the table Helsingborg) and lost one (to Gefle, the only game where Nordin played badly). When crying over losing Bedoya (probably) and Almebäck, we should not forget that our North and South, our East and West, our working week and Sundfay rest, is sitting on an expiring contract with a salary that is far too low. Nordin loves Örebro SK. Please love him back or you may lose him.
2. Andreas Haddad. Örebro's average points with Haddad on the pitch is actually just as good, even a tad better, than Gerzic's. Although the importance of Haddad diminished the second Atashkadeh scored against Trelleborg two days ago. Atashkadeh will be a good back-up for Haddad, but he is not Haddad. Örebro's 4-3-3 is based on a strong box player, and Andreas has everything we need. Again with the exception of Gefle, we win with Haddad on the pitch. Please come back soon.
3. John Alvbåge. The main reason why we suddenly stood out from the bunch and defined ourselves as a top team. After a while, outsiders understood we were right. Without the skills and the spirit of our keeper, both on and off the pitch, I'm not sure it would have happened. Another contact that needs extension. Pronto.
4. Alejandro Bedoya. He has been our best player when on the pitch. The funny thing is that we have actually done better without him. Has Ale started to play more for himself than for the team? Both Alejandro and Örebro should be proud of what he has become during his spell with us, but we both know it is coming to an end.
5. Valdet Rama. Would I have put Almebäck on the list if he has not signed with Bruges? Yes, if he had extended his contract and become a real Örebro player, I would. But this year, to me, Mikael has made to many individual mistakes. Although he mostly makes up for them with his speed, sometimes it has cost us points. He needs to be replaced, but he is not irreplaceable as many have said. Valdet Rama, on the other hand: how often will we come across a player like that? Playing at a level way ahead of the rest of the league, he is slowly growing into the team and may well dominate this autumn. Strong of him to start all 11 games so far - I think it is about time he gets some rest in tonight's cup tie.
For the geeks - below are my stats. Of my 5 MVP's 4 are on the top 5 in terms of quality and 2 on the top 5 in terms of result. The latter list must be placed in context though, but it is interesting to note that the every time we have excluded either Lushtaku or Kihlberg from the starting line up (or both), we have won.
Quantity
1 Alvbåge, 990 mins (all)
1 Wikström, 990 mins
1 Wowoah, 990 mins
4 Almebäck, 900 mins
4 Haginge, 900 mins
(impressive consistency in defence)
6 Rama, 849 mins
7 Bedoya, 810 mins
8 Kihlberg, 779 mins
9 Gerzic, 702 mins
10 Lushtaku, 664 mins
11 Nordback, 462 mins
12 Paulinho, 397 mins
13 Haddad, 393 mins
14 Astvald, 390 mins
15 Anttonen, 203 mins
Quality (average rating by four sources, per game / games rated)
1. Bedoya 2.97 / 9
2. Gerzic 2.69 / 8
3. Alvbåge 2.64 / 11
4. Rama 2.57 / 11
5. Almebäck 2.53 / 10
6. Wikström 2.45 / 11
7. Nordback 2.45 / 5
8. Haddad 2.35 / 5
9. Haginge 2.33 / 10
10. Anttonen 2.25 / 4
11. Kihlberg 2.20 / 10
12. Paulinho 2.10 / 5
13. Wowoah 2.07 / 11
14. Lushtaku 1.94 / 11
15. Astvald 1.84 / 8
Result (average points for every game started, if different also in all games played [between brackets])
1. Anttonen 3.00 (2.25)
2. Haddad 2.40
3. Gerzic 2.38
4. Nordback 1.8 (1.71)
5. Astvald 1.75 (1.60)
6. Alvbåge 1.73
6. Rama 1.73
6. Wikström 1.73
6. Wowoah 1.73
10. Almebäck 1.60
11. Haginge 1.60
12. Paulinho 1.5 (1.67)
13. Bedoya 1.44
14. Lushtaku 1.25 (1.73)
15. Kihlberg 1.25 (1.60)
I had a look at Örebro's league season so far, using these criteria on the 15 players that have played enough games to make an impact. For the quantity guys, I take my hat off, but the importance of you being around all the time is too obvious. Instead I selected my top 5 based on the other two criteria.
1. Nordin Gerzic. The story from last year is repeating itself this year: when Nordin plays well, we win, when he doesn't we're in trouble, if he doesn't play at all we lose. Nordin is the spider in the web, the engine room of Örebro's creativity, without which we simple do not function. I witnessed live the warm up against AIK this spring, when Nordin injured his thigh. I can say now with some confidence that had that not happened, we would now be top of the table. Örebro has played three games without Nordin and lost them all. With him, we won six, drew one (against top of the table Helsingborg) and lost one (to Gefle, the only game where Nordin played badly). When crying over losing Bedoya (probably) and Almebäck, we should not forget that our North and South, our East and West, our working week and Sundfay rest, is sitting on an expiring contract with a salary that is far too low. Nordin loves Örebro SK. Please love him back or you may lose him.
2. Andreas Haddad. Örebro's average points with Haddad on the pitch is actually just as good, even a tad better, than Gerzic's. Although the importance of Haddad diminished the second Atashkadeh scored against Trelleborg two days ago. Atashkadeh will be a good back-up for Haddad, but he is not Haddad. Örebro's 4-3-3 is based on a strong box player, and Andreas has everything we need. Again with the exception of Gefle, we win with Haddad on the pitch. Please come back soon.
3. John Alvbåge. The main reason why we suddenly stood out from the bunch and defined ourselves as a top team. After a while, outsiders understood we were right. Without the skills and the spirit of our keeper, both on and off the pitch, I'm not sure it would have happened. Another contact that needs extension. Pronto.
4. Alejandro Bedoya. He has been our best player when on the pitch. The funny thing is that we have actually done better without him. Has Ale started to play more for himself than for the team? Both Alejandro and Örebro should be proud of what he has become during his spell with us, but we both know it is coming to an end.
5. Valdet Rama. Would I have put Almebäck on the list if he has not signed with Bruges? Yes, if he had extended his contract and become a real Örebro player, I would. But this year, to me, Mikael has made to many individual mistakes. Although he mostly makes up for them with his speed, sometimes it has cost us points. He needs to be replaced, but he is not irreplaceable as many have said. Valdet Rama, on the other hand: how often will we come across a player like that? Playing at a level way ahead of the rest of the league, he is slowly growing into the team and may well dominate this autumn. Strong of him to start all 11 games so far - I think it is about time he gets some rest in tonight's cup tie.
For the geeks - below are my stats. Of my 5 MVP's 4 are on the top 5 in terms of quality and 2 on the top 5 in terms of result. The latter list must be placed in context though, but it is interesting to note that the every time we have excluded either Lushtaku or Kihlberg from the starting line up (or both), we have won.
Quantity
1 Alvbåge, 990 mins (all)
1 Wikström, 990 mins
1 Wowoah, 990 mins
4 Almebäck, 900 mins
4 Haginge, 900 mins
(impressive consistency in defence)
6 Rama, 849 mins
7 Bedoya, 810 mins
8 Kihlberg, 779 mins
9 Gerzic, 702 mins
10 Lushtaku, 664 mins
11 Nordback, 462 mins
12 Paulinho, 397 mins
13 Haddad, 393 mins
14 Astvald, 390 mins
15 Anttonen, 203 mins
Quality (average rating by four sources, per game / games rated)
1. Bedoya 2.97 / 9
2. Gerzic 2.69 / 8
3. Alvbåge 2.64 / 11
4. Rama 2.57 / 11
5. Almebäck 2.53 / 10
6. Wikström 2.45 / 11
7. Nordback 2.45 / 5
8. Haddad 2.35 / 5
9. Haginge 2.33 / 10
10. Anttonen 2.25 / 4
11. Kihlberg 2.20 / 10
12. Paulinho 2.10 / 5
13. Wowoah 2.07 / 11
14. Lushtaku 1.94 / 11
15. Astvald 1.84 / 8
Result (average points for every game started, if different also in all games played [between brackets])
1. Anttonen 3.00 (2.25)
2. Haddad 2.40
3. Gerzic 2.38
4. Nordback 1.8 (1.71)
5. Astvald 1.75 (1.60)
6. Alvbåge 1.73
6. Rama 1.73
6. Wikström 1.73
6. Wowoah 1.73
10. Almebäck 1.60
11. Haginge 1.60
12. Paulinho 1.5 (1.67)
13. Bedoya 1.44
14. Lushtaku 1.25 (1.73)
15. Kihlberg 1.25 (1.60)
Friday 10 June 2011
I spy... Gaziantepspor (XII)
Things to know about Gaziantepsor
Last season: 4th in the Süper Lig
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Tolunay Kafkas
Star: Ivelin Popov
Links to Örebro: Örebro was supposed to play Antalyaspor (together with Gaziantepspor the southernmost team in the Turkish league) in a friendly that never happened earlier this year. Far-fetched. Both teams have lost in the first round of the UEFA cup to a prospective finalist (Örebro lost to winner Ajax in 1991/1992, Gaziantepspor to finalist Alaves nine year later). Still far-fetched.
Comment: Gaziantep is situated in southeast Turkey, very close to the Syrian border. Not exactly the place to by for the moment. For that reason, Gaziantepspor is something of a nightmare opponent for Örebro. On the other hand, Örebro knows Turkey well after two (!) preseason trips to the country this year.
This is how we beat them: Gaziantepspor has become a top team in a Turkish league that has lost a bit of its status. The team had a fantastic spell during the second half of the season and challenged the Champions League team Bursaspor for third spot. The squad is full of talent: Goalkeeper Žydrūnas Karčemarskas from Lithuania has 54 caps under the belt, Bulgarian striker Ivelin Popov 24. Olcan Adin is another sharp forward, as is young starlet Cenk Tosun, 20 years and called up for Turkey’s last qualifier against Belgium. On that squad was also defender Emre Güngör and midfielder Orhan Gülle was also recently called by his country. Add to that a few Brazilians and Argentineans and you realize that not only the geographic location of the team is tricky. Last season was one of the team’s best (they ended third in 2000 and 2001). Internationally, their latest spell in the UEFA Cup was their most successful, knocking out Hapoel Tel Aviv and Lens before losing to Roma despite winning 1-0 at home. So beating them will not be easy.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35%
Last season: 4th in the Süper Lig
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Tolunay Kafkas
Star: Ivelin Popov
Links to Örebro: Örebro was supposed to play Antalyaspor (together with Gaziantepspor the southernmost team in the Turkish league) in a friendly that never happened earlier this year. Far-fetched. Both teams have lost in the first round of the UEFA cup to a prospective finalist (Örebro lost to winner Ajax in 1991/1992, Gaziantepspor to finalist Alaves nine year later). Still far-fetched.
Comment: Gaziantep is situated in southeast Turkey, very close to the Syrian border. Not exactly the place to by for the moment. For that reason, Gaziantepspor is something of a nightmare opponent for Örebro. On the other hand, Örebro knows Turkey well after two (!) preseason trips to the country this year.
This is how we beat them: Gaziantepspor has become a top team in a Turkish league that has lost a bit of its status. The team had a fantastic spell during the second half of the season and challenged the Champions League team Bursaspor for third spot. The squad is full of talent: Goalkeeper Žydrūnas Karčemarskas from Lithuania has 54 caps under the belt, Bulgarian striker Ivelin Popov 24. Olcan Adin is another sharp forward, as is young starlet Cenk Tosun, 20 years and called up for Turkey’s last qualifier against Belgium. On that squad was also defender Emre Güngör and midfielder Orhan Gülle was also recently called by his country. Add to that a few Brazilians and Argentineans and you realize that not only the geographic location of the team is tricky. Last season was one of the team’s best (they ended third in 2000 and 2001). Internationally, their latest spell in the UEFA Cup was their most successful, knocking out Hapoel Tel Aviv and Lens before losing to Roma despite winning 1-0 at home. So beating them will not be easy.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35%
I spy... Lokomotiv Sofia (XI)
Things to know about Lokomotiv Sofia
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Dian Petkov
Star: Marcho Dafchev
Links to Örebro: Serb Dragan Okuka, Örebro midfielder in the 80s, now in China, actually coached Lokomotiv as late as 2008-2010.
Comment: The team in January lost star Tsvetan Genkov, a national team player who was then the 2nd best goal scorer in Bulgaria. Their most recent national team player is keeper Boyan Peykov, who was on Bulgaria’s bench in the qualifier against Switzerland in March. Otherwise the team is still lead by veteran number 10 Marcho Dafchev, 33 years of age and with three spells of a total ten or so years at Lokomotiv. Winger Iskren Pisarov also seemed to have a good last season.
This is how we beat them: Overall, Lokomotiv may be the fourth strongest side in Bulgaria but they are a bit behind the top three, Litx, CSKA and Levski who were clearly ahead in the league (Lokomotiv only got one point against them) and who have stronger squads. Yet, AIK was close to eliminate Levski last year. I think it is looking rather promising – Lokomotiv may be the weakest team that would still secure a third round seeding if we beat them.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
Last season: 4th
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Dian Petkov
Star: Marcho Dafchev
Links to Örebro: Serb Dragan Okuka, Örebro midfielder in the 80s, now in China, actually coached Lokomotiv as late as 2008-2010.
Comment: The team in January lost star Tsvetan Genkov, a national team player who was then the 2nd best goal scorer in Bulgaria. Their most recent national team player is keeper Boyan Peykov, who was on Bulgaria’s bench in the qualifier against Switzerland in March. Otherwise the team is still lead by veteran number 10 Marcho Dafchev, 33 years of age and with three spells of a total ten or so years at Lokomotiv. Winger Iskren Pisarov also seemed to have a good last season.
This is how we beat them: Overall, Lokomotiv may be the fourth strongest side in Bulgaria but they are a bit behind the top three, Litx, CSKA and Levski who were clearly ahead in the league (Lokomotiv only got one point against them) and who have stronger squads. Yet, AIK was close to eliminate Levski last year. I think it is looking rather promising – Lokomotiv may be the weakest team that would still secure a third round seeding if we beat them.
Chance of Örebro winning: 55%
I spy... ADO Den Haag (X)
[N.B. I have not missed a number, but I jump IF Elfsborg as they are Swedish and hence cannot be drawn against Örebro]
Things to know about ADO Den Haag
Last season: 7th in the Eredivisie
Qualified through: won the Dutch Europa League Play-Off, having nearly lost its 5-1 lead from the first leg (losing the second leg against Groningen 5-1 but eventually winning on penalties)
Coach: John van den Brom
Star: Bulykin
Links to Örebro: the club is closely linked to FC Brügge. So are ÖSK players Mikael Almebäck (just signed) and Alejandro Bedoya (may sign soon)
Comment: This is a funny club. Even the name is funny, ADO means Alles Door Oefening, Everything Through Training. And the “Haags Kwartiertje” are both famous and notorious fans – the wildest fans in Dutch football. The team did not have to do that much in league football to qualify for the Europa League. They ended 7th and then went on to win the rather odd Dutch “Europa League Play-off”, where teams 5-8 in the Dutch league play for the last European spot (which they won in a spectacular way, see above). The team has a decent track record with league titles in the 40s and several European appearances in the past, but the 7th spot this season was their best result since 1979. The big star of the team is Russian Bulykin, who according to my sources defies nature. Almost obese looking, yet fast and lethal. The big fan favourite is Lex Immers, who has ADO tattooed over his back from his previous days as an ADO hooligan. He still is one, actually
This is how we beat them: In a traditional Dutch manner, ADO seems to play full steam ahead (goal difference last year was 63-55 in 34 games, which is not unusual). They seem to play mostly 4-3-3, and Bulykin seems to be the kind of striker that we need Almebäck to defend against. And he will be gone by then. That could be a problem. But overall seems like an entertaining opponent, not far away from me, and if we win we will be seeded in the third round. ADO more and more appears to be my favourite team in the draw.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
Things to know about ADO Den Haag
Last season: 7th in the Eredivisie
Qualified through: won the Dutch Europa League Play-Off, having nearly lost its 5-1 lead from the first leg (losing the second leg against Groningen 5-1 but eventually winning on penalties)
Coach: John van den Brom
Star: Bulykin
Links to Örebro: the club is closely linked to FC Brügge. So are ÖSK players Mikael Almebäck (just signed) and Alejandro Bedoya (may sign soon)
Comment: This is a funny club. Even the name is funny, ADO means Alles Door Oefening, Everything Through Training. And the “Haags Kwartiertje” are both famous and notorious fans – the wildest fans in Dutch football. The team did not have to do that much in league football to qualify for the Europa League. They ended 7th and then went on to win the rather odd Dutch “Europa League Play-off”, where teams 5-8 in the Dutch league play for the last European spot (which they won in a spectacular way, see above). The team has a decent track record with league titles in the 40s and several European appearances in the past, but the 7th spot this season was their best result since 1979. The big star of the team is Russian Bulykin, who according to my sources defies nature. Almost obese looking, yet fast and lethal. The big fan favourite is Lex Immers, who has ADO tattooed over his back from his previous days as an ADO hooligan. He still is one, actually
This is how we beat them: In a traditional Dutch manner, ADO seems to play full steam ahead (goal difference last year was 63-55 in 34 games, which is not unusual). They seem to play mostly 4-3-3, and Bulykin seems to be the kind of striker that we need Almebäck to defend against. And he will be gone by then. That could be a problem. But overall seems like an entertaining opponent, not far away from me, and if we win we will be seeded in the third round. ADO more and more appears to be my favourite team in the draw.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
I spy... Sheriff Tiraspol (VIII)
Things to know about Sheriff
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Oleg Turcanu
Star: Vladislav Stoyanov
Links to Örebro: Former Sheriff player Razak Omotoyossi played against Örebro as late as 22 May this year (Örebro won 3-1)
Comment: There’s a long and good story here, recently covered by Sweden’s best football journalist Erik Niva. Sheriff Tiraspol is the pride of the largely Russian speaking, independence seeking Transnistrian region of Moldova. I don’t intend to give you the full story here but the team is named Sheriff after its insanely rich owner, former KGB officer Viktor Gushan – nick-named “the Sheriff”. Soon after the club was founded in 1997 it became the most dominating team in European league football, winning the league every year (and often by a ridiculous margin) from 2001 to 2010. Then, this year, something happened. Dacia Chisinau broke the spell. How? I’m not sure but I can imagine the loss of Moldovan star Suvarov was costly. The sheriff is expected to invest more after this embarrassment, so we risk facing a hungry, revitalized tiger here. The team is very much a foreign legion, with no less than five African players, another seven players from countries near by and only six Moldovan nationals.
This is how we beat them: This is a strong football team from a weak footballing country. Sheriff has qualified for the Europa League group stage for two years in a row (losing out to Olympiakos and Basel in the Champions League play-offs) and last year, both times ending up with five points but beating sides like Twente (2009) and Dynamo Kyiv (2010) at home. They have kicked out teams like Dinamo Zagreb and Slavia Prague and has not been directly kicked out one single time in their 10-year long spell of Champions League qualifiers. It will be tough
Chance of Örebro winning: Depends on what Sheriff does on the transfer market, but with the current squad we have a decent 40% chance.
Last season: 2nd
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Oleg Turcanu
Star: Vladislav Stoyanov
Links to Örebro: Former Sheriff player Razak Omotoyossi played against Örebro as late as 22 May this year (Örebro won 3-1)
Comment: There’s a long and good story here, recently covered by Sweden’s best football journalist Erik Niva. Sheriff Tiraspol is the pride of the largely Russian speaking, independence seeking Transnistrian region of Moldova. I don’t intend to give you the full story here but the team is named Sheriff after its insanely rich owner, former KGB officer Viktor Gushan – nick-named “the Sheriff”. Soon after the club was founded in 1997 it became the most dominating team in European league football, winning the league every year (and often by a ridiculous margin) from 2001 to 2010. Then, this year, something happened. Dacia Chisinau broke the spell. How? I’m not sure but I can imagine the loss of Moldovan star Suvarov was costly. The sheriff is expected to invest more after this embarrassment, so we risk facing a hungry, revitalized tiger here. The team is very much a foreign legion, with no less than five African players, another seven players from countries near by and only six Moldovan nationals.
This is how we beat them: This is a strong football team from a weak footballing country. Sheriff has qualified for the Europa League group stage for two years in a row (losing out to Olympiakos and Basel in the Champions League play-offs) and last year, both times ending up with five points but beating sides like Twente (2009) and Dynamo Kyiv (2010) at home. They have kicked out teams like Dinamo Zagreb and Slavia Prague and has not been directly kicked out one single time in their 10-year long spell of Champions League qualifiers. It will be tough
Chance of Örebro winning: Depends on what Sheriff does on the transfer market, but with the current squad we have a decent 40% chance.
I spy... Vorskla Poltava (VII)
Things to know about Vorskla Poltava
Last season: 6th
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Mykola Pavlov
Star: Vasyl Sachko
Links to Örebro: see below on “this is how we beat them”.
Comment: It was enough to be a mid-table team to qualify for Europa League. The Ukrainian League has a good ranking thanks to the two giants Shaktar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv and those two teams grabbed so many points in the league that the not so impressive record of ten wins, nine draws and eleven losses took Vorskla Poltava to Europe. The team possess a few good players including defender Oleh Krasnopyrov and mifielder Denys Kulakov, that both have been called to the Ukraine national team, and top-scorer Vasyl Sachko, a 36-year old tall centre-tank that scored ten goals in the league. The team has participated in the UEFA Cup/Europa League three times in this millennium, but has failed to impress. The owner, Kostyantin Zhevago, is just one year older than the top striker and is the Ukraine’s youngest billionaire and according to Forbes ranked 488th in terms of wealth in the world. There is probably a good story here somewhere but it’s hard to find it without reading Russian.
This is how we beat them: Swedes return to the place which signifies the beginning of the end of the Swedish empire. If revenge is a dish best served cold, 302 years in the fridge be just about enough. The Swedish troops including the infantry from Närke-Värmland’s regiment based in Örebro lost the 1709 battle of Poltava to Tsar Peter I. It’s pay back time and this time we will continue all the way to the Kremlin.
Chance of Örebro winning: At the battle of Poltava, the size of Peter’s troops where about three times that of King Charles XII’s. It’s looking slightly better now, I give us 40%.
Last season: 6th
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Mykola Pavlov
Star: Vasyl Sachko
Links to Örebro: see below on “this is how we beat them”.
Comment: It was enough to be a mid-table team to qualify for Europa League. The Ukrainian League has a good ranking thanks to the two giants Shaktar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv and those two teams grabbed so many points in the league that the not so impressive record of ten wins, nine draws and eleven losses took Vorskla Poltava to Europe. The team possess a few good players including defender Oleh Krasnopyrov and mifielder Denys Kulakov, that both have been called to the Ukraine national team, and top-scorer Vasyl Sachko, a 36-year old tall centre-tank that scored ten goals in the league. The team has participated in the UEFA Cup/Europa League three times in this millennium, but has failed to impress. The owner, Kostyantin Zhevago, is just one year older than the top striker and is the Ukraine’s youngest billionaire and according to Forbes ranked 488th in terms of wealth in the world. There is probably a good story here somewhere but it’s hard to find it without reading Russian.
This is how we beat them: Swedes return to the place which signifies the beginning of the end of the Swedish empire. If revenge is a dish best served cold, 302 years in the fridge be just about enough. The Swedish troops including the infantry from Närke-Värmland’s regiment based in Örebro lost the 1709 battle of Poltava to Tsar Peter I. It’s pay back time and this time we will continue all the way to the Kremlin.
Chance of Örebro winning: At the battle of Poltava, the size of Peter’s troops where about three times that of King Charles XII’s. It’s looking slightly better now, I give us 40%.
I spy... Nacional (VI)
Things to know about Nacional
Last season: 6th
Qualified through: League position, qualified for second round
Coach: Ivo Vieira
Star: Luis Alberto Santos dos Santos (at least that’s the best name)
Links to Örebro: White and black. I know, it’s weak. Here comes a more tricky one. Marcus Rosenberg has scored against both teams (for Malmö against Örebro and for WErder Bremen against Nacional)
Comment: The nationalistic team from the pretty island of Madeira has qualified for the tournament for the fourth time. According to my sources it is useless to assess Nacional on the basis of last season’s performance as they have a tendency to rotate out the entire squad year on year and buy new ones, continuously financed by the local government. Indeed, their table position has fluctuated over the years and their previous attempts at European level were unsuccessful until the team in 2009/2010 managed to qualify for the group stage, where it finished third behind Werder Bremen and Athletic Bilbao but ahead of Austria Wien
This is how we beat them: I have not seen much activity on the transfer market yet but of course it is hard to play a new squad together in just a few weeks, should that be the case. Indeed, the only time they managed to knock out another team at European level was when they enter the qualifiers only in late August. But Portugal had three semi-finalists in 2010/2011 – Nacional would be a beautiful trip, but a tough one.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35%
Last season: 6th
Qualified through: League position, qualified for second round
Coach: Ivo Vieira
Star: Luis Alberto Santos dos Santos (at least that’s the best name)
Links to Örebro: White and black. I know, it’s weak. Here comes a more tricky one. Marcus Rosenberg has scored against both teams (for Malmö against Örebro and for WErder Bremen against Nacional)
Comment: The nationalistic team from the pretty island of Madeira has qualified for the tournament for the fourth time. According to my sources it is useless to assess Nacional on the basis of last season’s performance as they have a tendency to rotate out the entire squad year on year and buy new ones, continuously financed by the local government. Indeed, their table position has fluctuated over the years and their previous attempts at European level were unsuccessful until the team in 2009/2010 managed to qualify for the group stage, where it finished third behind Werder Bremen and Athletic Bilbao but ahead of Austria Wien
This is how we beat them: I have not seen much activity on the transfer market yet but of course it is hard to play a new squad together in just a few weeks, should that be the case. Indeed, the only time they managed to knock out another team at European level was when they enter the qualifiers only in late August. But Portugal had three semi-finalists in 2010/2011 – Nacional would be a beautiful trip, but a tough one.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35%
I spy... Zilina (V)
Things to know about MSK Zilina
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Pavel Hapal
Star: Zxdenko Strba, Tomas Majtan, Ceesay
Links to Örebro: More than you would think. Both teams were founded in 2008, and through this 100+ years they have played each other twice in the Intertoto Cup, in two consecutive years 1969 and 1970. Both times it ended in two home wins, and Örebro beaten quite badly away (4-1 and 4-0).
Comment: I have got no expert report here, but Zilina was probably the worst team in the Champions League group stage least season, losing all six games and with a 0-7 defeat at home to Olympique Marseille as the low mark. Still, they played in the Champions League last season and no other team in the second round have such bragging rights. The team became a Slovak power house in the early 2000s, winning the league for the first time in 2002 and after that dominating the national scene. But last season was not very impressive after that win against Sparta Prague from rivaling Czech Republic (I understand Sparta had loads of players unavailable in those games). Maybe we the pressure of the Champions League, Zilina did one of their worst seasons in the league for a long while, by far distanced by both Slovan and Senica.
This is how we beat them: I think Zilina is one of the possibly overrated teams. They have won important experience in Europe but clearly have struggled to find their best football.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
Last season: 3rd
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Pavel Hapal
Star: Zxdenko Strba, Tomas Majtan, Ceesay
Links to Örebro: More than you would think. Both teams were founded in 2008, and through this 100+ years they have played each other twice in the Intertoto Cup, in two consecutive years 1969 and 1970. Both times it ended in two home wins, and Örebro beaten quite badly away (4-1 and 4-0).
Comment: I have got no expert report here, but Zilina was probably the worst team in the Champions League group stage least season, losing all six games and with a 0-7 defeat at home to Olympique Marseille as the low mark. Still, they played in the Champions League last season and no other team in the second round have such bragging rights. The team became a Slovak power house in the early 2000s, winning the league for the first time in 2002 and after that dominating the national scene. But last season was not very impressive after that win against Sparta Prague from rivaling Czech Republic (I understand Sparta had loads of players unavailable in those games). Maybe we the pressure of the Champions League, Zilina did one of their worst seasons in the league for a long while, by far distanced by both Slovan and Senica.
This is how we beat them: I think Zilina is one of the possibly overrated teams. They have won important experience in Europe but clearly have struggled to find their best football.
Chance of Örebro winning: 40%
I spy... Anorthosis (IV)
Things to know about Anorthosis
Last season: 3rd in the Cypriot League
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Stanimir Stoilov
Star: Vincent Laban
Links to Örebro: Probably a few through carnal knowledge gained during trips to Aia Napa, otherwise the best I come up with is that both teams lost in the first round of the 1991-92 UEFA Cup to a team that would later go on to play Genoa. That will have to do.
Chance of Örebro winning: 25%.
Last season: 3rd in the Cypriot League
Qualified through: League position
Coach: Stanimir Stoilov
Star: Vincent Laban
Links to Örebro: Probably a few through carnal knowledge gained during trips to Aia Napa, otherwise the best I come up with is that both teams lost in the first round of the 1991-92 UEFA Cup to a team that would later go on to play Genoa. That will have to do.
Comment: Got an excellent overview from a Cypriot source, describing Anorthosis as well as other Cypriot team in the second round, AEK Larnaca (more on them will follow in due course): “Coming now to AEK and Anorthosis. This is a tough one to crack since at the moment they are both really unpredictable. Anorthosis is by faaaaar the better team of the two. The have more experience, more funs and more of a winning mentality. Last season they really messed up during the first half and changed two managers. A third one, a Bulgarian, came round Xmas and took over, he's still there. He did a fantastic job, I think maybe the got the most points in the second half of the season. They haven't got any real stars, best player is probable Vincent Lampan. They are going through transition now since the manager decided to pack off many players and bring in players he already knows, many from Bulgaria.”
This is how we beat them: Tough nut to crack, it seems. I don’t like a single bit the fact that this is a team on the rise. And Anorthosis have recent experience from playing (and doing well) in the Champions League group stage, less than three years ago this team kicked out Rapid Wien and Olympiakos and went on to beat Panathinaikos, draw Inter at home and draw Werder Bremen both home and away. So all reason to have full respect here. And in 2007 Jardel player here for a while.Chance of Örebro winning: 25%.
I spy... Austria Wien (III)
Things to know about Austria Wien
Last season: 2nd in the Austrian Bundesliga
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Karl Daxbacher
Star: Junuzovic, Tomas Jun
Links to Örebro: Örebro beat Austria in Vienna in the 1996 Intertoto Cup, 3-2, a win that secured a group victory for Örebro
Comment: Another Austrian team on decline, but here the decline is perhaps less steep but rather an evolvement over time. The team has lost financial striking power since major sponsor Magna left the club, but was still in the run for the league title during the last day of the season and have qualified for European play for ten consecutive years. As late as 2005, the team played in the quarterfinals of the UEFA cup, losing on away goals to Parma. It was after that that Magna’s involvement decreased, to finally expire in 2008. The team has an impressive history with more than 20 league titles and players like Prohaska, Polster, Vastic and until recently Acimovic.
This is how we beat them: Huge rivals are Rapid Wien, and again I do believe I can round up some local support for Örebro in Vienna. Austrian does not look as dangerous as Red Bull, but almost. But in four games against Swedish teams in the club’s history, they have never won.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35-40%
Last season: 2nd in the Austrian Bundesliga
Qualified through: League position, 2nd round
Coach: Karl Daxbacher
Star: Junuzovic, Tomas Jun
Links to Örebro: Örebro beat Austria in Vienna in the 1996 Intertoto Cup, 3-2, a win that secured a group victory for Örebro
Comment: Another Austrian team on decline, but here the decline is perhaps less steep but rather an evolvement over time. The team has lost financial striking power since major sponsor Magna left the club, but was still in the run for the league title during the last day of the season and have qualified for European play for ten consecutive years. As late as 2005, the team played in the quarterfinals of the UEFA cup, losing on away goals to Parma. It was after that that Magna’s involvement decreased, to finally expire in 2008. The team has an impressive history with more than 20 league titles and players like Prohaska, Polster, Vastic and until recently Acimovic.
This is how we beat them: Huge rivals are Rapid Wien, and again I do believe I can round up some local support for Örebro in Vienna. Austrian does not look as dangerous as Red Bull, but almost. But in four games against Swedish teams in the club’s history, they have never won.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35-40%
Thursday 9 June 2011
Now the time is here for Iron Man to spread fear - in Bruges
Mikael Almebäck aka Iron Mike has signed for FC Brugge. Until he becomes a statue on the old square in a year or two, look out for a huge blond man that can run really really fast the next time you are enjoying a little canal trip or horse cart ride in the pitoresque town. Brugge is not small, it has a spectacular city centre but it is very much a Disneyland of "cute old continental European city". As Ray says in the excellent film in Bruges: "maybe that's what hell is: the entire rest of eternity spent in fuckin' Bruges". I would recommend Mikael to jog down to Damme and the fantastic canal crossing on the way to Knokke when he gets sick of the fat tourists.
The rumour about the deal is EUR 550,000, possibly with a resale percentage for ÖSK.
Great deal for Brugge. They get a young defender with enormous potential. He be fast as the wind and hard as a rock that boy (the latter is actually proven). Despite still making a few bad defending decisions, he has been crucial for the development of Örebro. Together with a more static central defender Almebäck makes a perfect pair with his speed, his physique and his (by Swedish central defender measurement) decent feet.
A good deal for Almebäck. Belgium may become the new Holland for Swedish and allvenskan players (Safari in Anderlecht, Roni Porokara in Germinal Beerschoot, other under way) which means the national team coaches will not forget him. And a good transit step on a fast career ladder. Remember that this man was signed in the 2009 pre-season for nothing, more or less ruled out as a footballer due to health and injury trouble. Since he joined Örebro he played nearly every game.
An ok deal for Örebro. We do not know the exact terms, and I would have hoped for more money, about 1 million euros or so. But it was inevitable that Mikael should go this summer, and it was important that Örebro showed the world that we are a good step on the career ladder: we develop players, we make them shine and if someone pays up we will not stand in the way when it's time to go. Of course it is hard to believe how any player would like to leave Örebro, but that seems to be the reality we live in.
If we qualify for the third round of the Europa League it's not impossible that we will face Brugge, and that Almebäck and Alejandro Bedoya will face us on the other side. That would be weird.
The rumour about the deal is EUR 550,000, possibly with a resale percentage for ÖSK.
Great deal for Brugge. They get a young defender with enormous potential. He be fast as the wind and hard as a rock that boy (the latter is actually proven). Despite still making a few bad defending decisions, he has been crucial for the development of Örebro. Together with a more static central defender Almebäck makes a perfect pair with his speed, his physique and his (by Swedish central defender measurement) decent feet.
A good deal for Almebäck. Belgium may become the new Holland for Swedish and allvenskan players (Safari in Anderlecht, Roni Porokara in Germinal Beerschoot, other under way) which means the national team coaches will not forget him. And a good transit step on a fast career ladder. Remember that this man was signed in the 2009 pre-season for nothing, more or less ruled out as a footballer due to health and injury trouble. Since he joined Örebro he played nearly every game.
An ok deal for Örebro. We do not know the exact terms, and I would have hoped for more money, about 1 million euros or so. But it was inevitable that Mikael should go this summer, and it was important that Örebro showed the world that we are a good step on the career ladder: we develop players, we make them shine and if someone pays up we will not stand in the way when it's time to go. Of course it is hard to believe how any player would like to leave Örebro, but that seems to be the reality we live in.
If we qualify for the third round of the Europa League it's not impossible that we will face Brugge, and that Almebäck and Alejandro Bedoya will face us on the other side. That would be weird.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
I spy... Red Bull Salzburg (II)
Since all we need to know about Sweden's pretty magnificent win last night has been said elsewhere, let's continue our journey
Things to know about Red Bull Salzburg
Last season: 3rd in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Qualified through: League position, second round
Coach: Ricardo Moniz
Star: Alan
Links to Örebro: Under the last year of Lars Lagerbäck, keepers Eddie Gustafsson (Red Bull) and John Alvbåge (ÖSK) were second and third after Isaksson. The teams were beaten by Ajax in the first round of the UEFA cup for consecutive years (Örebro 1991 and Salzburg 1992). Otherwise, not much. Mozart/Jeremias i Tröstlösa, Red Bull/Champis, Mozart Kugeln/kex?
Comment: Which is the most despised football team in the world, at least in the eyes of those who consider themselves to be real football fans? MK Dons? Red Bull Salzburg? Salzburg-based soft drink giant Red Bull’s investment in the classic Austria Salzburg in 2005 was first received with fan delight. That all changed very rapidly when Red Bull decided the team should play in the Red Bull colours, not the classic violet Austria colours. All the supporters of the team left the team and recreated Austria, a club that has ever since been climbing through the league system at a pace equal to that of Wimbledon F.C. Both teams have supporters worldwide, and both are run by fans who essentially denies the existence of “the other team”.
According to my expert sources in Salzburg, Red Bull’s big push to create an Austrian giant has died off a bit, which is also visible when looking at the league result. Champions League ambitions are gone and an increasing amount of Red Bull’s focus is on the sister clubs in Leipzig and New York. Red Bull Salzburg is downsizing the squad, eight players are to leave, but I understand that a number of quality players remain, including new star Alan. One friend describes the remaining squad as follows: “Wallner, striker, Schiemer (defense) and Leitgeb, middlefield, are one of Austria's eternal talents, who, at the end do not succeed (however, still in the wider national team). There is a midfielder, de Silva, and a defender Sekagya, but in the end they all suck, within the many years with red bull now they never could change being considered as a 'mercenary force' (English for 'Söldnertruppe', if I remember right from the Gladiator movie) [you do! (legoknekt in Swedish)].”
This is how we beat them: A very good friend’s brother would not even let people drink Red Bull. I will personally round up as much local support as I can if we play against Red Bull. But whatever people say about the decline of Red Bull, this is still a bad draw for us. But we have a chance and if we win we will be seeded in the third round.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35%
Things to know about Red Bull Salzburg
Last season: 3rd in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Qualified through: League position, second round
Coach: Ricardo Moniz
Star: Alan
Links to Örebro: Under the last year of Lars Lagerbäck, keepers Eddie Gustafsson (Red Bull) and John Alvbåge (ÖSK) were second and third after Isaksson. The teams were beaten by Ajax in the first round of the UEFA cup for consecutive years (Örebro 1991 and Salzburg 1992). Otherwise, not much. Mozart/Jeremias i Tröstlösa, Red Bull/Champis, Mozart Kugeln/kex?
Comment: Which is the most despised football team in the world, at least in the eyes of those who consider themselves to be real football fans? MK Dons? Red Bull Salzburg? Salzburg-based soft drink giant Red Bull’s investment in the classic Austria Salzburg in 2005 was first received with fan delight. That all changed very rapidly when Red Bull decided the team should play in the Red Bull colours, not the classic violet Austria colours. All the supporters of the team left the team and recreated Austria, a club that has ever since been climbing through the league system at a pace equal to that of Wimbledon F.C. Both teams have supporters worldwide, and both are run by fans who essentially denies the existence of “the other team”.
According to my expert sources in Salzburg, Red Bull’s big push to create an Austrian giant has died off a bit, which is also visible when looking at the league result. Champions League ambitions are gone and an increasing amount of Red Bull’s focus is on the sister clubs in Leipzig and New York. Red Bull Salzburg is downsizing the squad, eight players are to leave, but I understand that a number of quality players remain, including new star Alan. One friend describes the remaining squad as follows: “Wallner, striker, Schiemer (defense) and Leitgeb, middlefield, are one of Austria's eternal talents, who, at the end do not succeed (however, still in the wider national team). There is a midfielder, de Silva, and a defender Sekagya, but in the end they all suck, within the many years with red bull now they never could change being considered as a 'mercenary force' (English for 'Söldnertruppe', if I remember right from the Gladiator movie) [you do! (legoknekt in Swedish)].”
This is how we beat them: A very good friend’s brother would not even let people drink Red Bull. I will personally round up as much local support as I can if we play against Red Bull. But whatever people say about the decline of Red Bull, this is still a bad draw for us. But we have a chance and if we win we will be seeded in the third round.
Chance of Örebro winning: 35%
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