Viking - Rosenborg 2-3
By Håvard Lindheim, 3 April 2006, 09:51
Rosenborg turned 0-1 into 3-1, and won nicely in the final test before the start of the Tippeliga.
Two of RBK's african players came into focus in Stavanger. Alexander Tettey had to move in as defender, on short notice, as Bjørn Tore Kvarme had to give in during the warm-up due to a hit in the ribs. The U21 international Tettey did fine.
Still, he and his team mates had to see the Viking player Øyvind Svenning, originating from Rosenborg's home district, sending his team into the lead halfway through the first half. Just prior to that, Per Ciljan Skjelbred had to leave the field, and at half time, Tettey took the midfield spot.
Here, he was allowed to play for 20 minutes, and he showed both good and bad things. The best thing was that he hammered in 1-1 with his left, from 17 meters, after a bad clearing kick from Viking. On the other hand, the worst thing was that he got one yellow card just before and just after the score, for late tackles in safe territory on the midfield. The inevitable result - the red card. Not neccessary at all. Luckily it looks like Tettey won't have to pass the opening game against Lillestrøm; in friendlies, only red cards leading to more than one game's penalty is transferred onto league games.
Instead, Yssouf Kone took the command. The substitute scored twice in five minutes, and singlehandedly - or -footedly - secured the victory for RBK. The 2-1 score came after some wall passes between Mikael Dorsin and Frode Johnsen on the left, and the final pass in to a free Kone in front of the net. As for the second goal, the Burkina Faso international did that all by his own. With much elegance he took down a long ball and lobbed it above Viking keeper Anthony Basso's head.
Viking reduced with a great shot into the upper corner in the final minutes, but RBK's victory was never threatened. So it ended, the row of 11 friendlies, with eight wins and three draws. Will the record continue when the league starts?
PS 1! In addition to Kvarme, also Roar Strand (stretch), Steffen Iversen, Ørjan Berg and Vidar Riseth (all ancle problems) were out. Reserve keeper Espen Johnsen stayed back home in Trondheim with a small stretch.
PS 2! Skjelbred got some muscular pains only, and will be fine shortly.
