2008-07-31, 09:30 Hrs
“The European Champions League-an Adventure!”
Rapid began their adventure in Larnaca, Cyprus, in the Second Qualification Round match versus Anorthosis Famagusta.
Rapid started the match well and in the first fifteen minutes showed some neat passing and incisive moves. After 25 minutes, Captain Steffen Hofmann crossed a dangerous ball into the box, however the home defence were able to clear. The statistics after half an hour showed that Rapid had had 53% of the possession and were pressing. The first real chance of the game came in the 35th minute when “Jimmy” Hoffer missed a chance after being played in by strike partner Stefan Maierhofer. On the counter attack, the Cypriots went ahead through a strike by Skopelitis after a long throw into the box. At half-time the score remained 1:0 to the home side.
Rapid Director of Football Alfred Hörtnagl said at half-time, “in the second half we need to try and push forward much more.” However, the start of the half didn’t go according to plan as Anorthosis went 2:0 into the lead shortly after the break. The goalscorer was Sosin. The 140 or so travelling Rapid fans continued to sing their hearts out for the team despite this blow.
In reply, Rapid tried to put pressure on the Cypriot’s goal, however it wasn’t to be their evening at all. The opponent’s defence was incredibly tight and well organised, and the Rapid attack was finding it very difficult to get through the massed ranks. In the 83rd minute, the 13-time Cypriot champions almost sealed the victory on the night with the third goal, however Rapid goalkeeper Georg Koch was there to save his team’s blushes. He was helpless though nine minutes later as Sosin got his second to give his team a 3:0 win.
Rapid will therefore find themselves playing catch-up in next Wednesday’s return match at Hütteldorf.
Some early injury news for Rapid fans: “Jimmy” Hoffer injured his arm during the match, the full extent of the injury will soon become clear.
Pictures from the game in Cyprus
(chb/translated by Mark Bevan)
