Haugesund - Rosenborg 1-2
By Håvard Lindheim, 28 June 2004, 12:36
The history repeated itself: Rosenborg dominated the first half, but as in last year's quarter finals, the home side took over after the break. Luckily, Haugesund did not detonate a cup bomb.
RBK started best, as said, and had quite a smashing opening versus the 1st division team. After eight minutes they had a 2-0 lead.
First Harald Brattbakk were at the right place. Brattigol has struggled to score in the league this year, but in the cup it has gone quite well. His 11th goal in four cup games came when Haugesund keeper Jan Kjell Larsen, who was in the National team squad against Wales, cleared the ball directly into Frode Johnsen's feet, who passed the ball on to fellow striker Brattbakk. He in turn had an easy task to place the ball into an open net.
2-0 came when Roar Strand struck hard from 20 metres. The shot entered the goal's corner - fabulous! A beautiful goal for the night!
But then, Rosenborg gave away the initiative, and FK Haugesund were allowed to take over the play. After half an hour, Paal Christian Alsaker went in for an injured Rolf Magne Olsen. Alsaker, who played four league games for RBK in 1999, used mere minutes to score against his old club. The talented Christian Grindheim won a duel against RBK keeper Espen Johnsen, and the ball ended up at Alsaker who easily reduced.
After the break, FKH kept on dominating, and Rosenborg were repeatedly saved by a watchful Espen Johnsen.
Luckily, the home side got no more goals, and as last year, Rosenborg advanced in the cup after a one-goal victory in Haugesund (3-2 back then). RBK will still have to improve their gameplay before Monday's away game against FC Lyn Oslo.
"We started really good, before letting them back into the game. That was not neccessary. But first and foremost, we're pleased to win and to advance in the cup," Ola By Rise says to Trondheim newspaper Adresseavisa.
RBK started best, as said, and had quite a smashing opening versus the 1st division team. After eight minutes they had a 2-0 lead.
