Match of the week

Tromsø 2 – 4 Brann

The Eliteserien has begun, and we’ve been presented with a quality performance from both Tromsø and Brann. The teams were faithful to their principles and those who watched the match must have been pleased.

Tromsø – played in a 1-3-5-2 formation based on quick attacks and counterattacks. Soon was understood that the team isn’t so organised while defending (yet) as last year. They conceded too many spaces which shows that there is still tactical work to do. The team only showed capacity to hold the ball in the attack and caused danger after Nordås was subbed in.  

Brann – played in an attacking 1-4-3-3 formation supported by a high work rate, an aggressive high block and zonal high pressure that limited the construction phase of the opposition. After recovering possession, the transitions were quick. In attack, the fluidity and the short passing and quick tempo helped to open spaces and to create goal situations.

The Romssa Arena (formerly Alfheim Stadium) in Tromsø was the stage for the first match of both teams in this Eliteserien s season.

The first half, particularly the first 30 minutes, was clearly dominated by Brann, the high pressure limited the home team in the construction phase and its exits to attack. Without a player with capacity to receive and hold the ball in the front, Tromsø’s defence crumbled, and the visitors took the opportunity to gain the lead and increase it.

In the 37th minute, Tromsø subbed out Hjertø-Dahl, brought Nordås into the front and draw back Romsaas to the midfield. Nordås in the front, a strong and tall striker, gave Tromsø the ability to retain the ball in the attack, to combine in the front and cause danger. The match became more balanced.

The second half started with Brann’s dominion as they reached the 0-3. Tromsø subbed Vådebu out and brought in Paintsil to give speed and freshness to the right side. The effect was almost instantaneous, as the home team started to create goal opportunities and gaining confidence. They scored two times (65’ and 73’) reducing to 2-3. The morale was high, Tromsø was growing, and Brann’s fatigue didn’t allow them to play with the same intensity. It seemed like we would get 20 epic minutes of match until the end as both teams were tactically broken and were having goal chances. However, Anders Jensen`s heated reaction to a foul caused to stop a Tromsø’s counterattack, resulted in his second yellow card and thus the red. With one less player, Tromsø’s hopes seemed to have vanished, and Brann ended the match when they made the 2-4.

Brann won the match fairly. They were more organised, better prepared and created more than enough chances to justify the result.

Player of the Week

Joachim Soltvedt – The left back had a solid exhibition and a key performance to Brann’s side. He was often involved in the attacking momentums and helped to balance the defence. His stats reflect a balanced and effective performance with massive impact on the match.

·        2 Goals scored (in 3 shots)

·        1 Big chance created

·        1 Key pass

·        2 Tackles

·        2 Interceptions

·        75% of duels won

He got subbed at the 68th minute due to injury.

Mentions

Kristiansund BK – The first big surprise of the season was the Lillestrøm 2 – 3 Kristiansund. Playing away against a much stronger team, Kristiansund’s bet on defending well and counterattacks was fruitful. The team showed to be very compact without ball and effectively made the most of the few opportunities to score.

 

Marcus Sandberg – Superb performance from HamKam’s goalkeeper. With 8 saves, 4 high claims, 17 possession recoveries and 40% long pass accuracy, he was a pivotal player for HamKam. He started the play that resulted in his team’s goal and delayed KFUM’s goal to the maximum, helping the team to guarantee a precious point.

 

Lasse Nordås – Despite the loss, he changed the match for Tromsø. He entered on the37th minute and connected the attack. Nordås scored 2 goals, created 1 big chance, made 2 key passes, and made his team believe. Super Sub!!

 

Matchday 2 starts on April 6th with the important Bodø/Glimt – Viking match.