I am an Arsenal fan and my friend is a Portsmouth fan. For both of us we were surprised before the game. We went into the pub over the road from the entrance and there were very few fans there. Most odd as it is a tradition at home for fans to have a few pints ahead of the game and we know that Czechs like beer. Anyhow there was some joy in that two Bohemian FC fans recognised my Arsenal shirt, much to the jealousy of my friend.
OK, into the ground. Get a programme, but there's no team sheets.
The game was not easy as the waterlogged pitch did not help the players and there were (on either side) no shows or flashes of brilliance. Before you think it, we were not expecting to see performances like those of Pires, Henry or Reyes. But there was enthusiam on both sides and the game had its share of excitement given the problems caused by the waterlogged pitch and we thought that a draw was a fair result.
What did strike us most, with both teams, was the lack of planning for set-pieces. No shape taking corners or plans to move the ball across the pitch from a free kick to catch opponents off-balance. There were a few players who showed outstanding commitment, the Bohemians No 5 tried to assert dominance in the centre of the pitch and was very useful on the break afew times and the Plzen No2 (the captain) was very solid. What was odd was the refereeing. Where did that man come from? Is bribery very common? Some of his decisions were very off. Letting very nasty tackles go by and then penalising someone for a gentle shoulder to shoulder. Dear oh dear!
I hope I don't offend but what we enjoyed lots was the Bohemia FC fans. A great collection of fans who created a fantastic atmosphere that would make many of our teams jealous. They were great and deserved to be saluted by the team. Their enthusiasm and good humour was inspiring. Good health, long life and much drinking to them all.
After the match I bought a Bohemians scarf and we went to the pub. But no fans. Do Czech fans only drink at the game and never before or afterwards? But it was a good afternoon, we were very glad we went and would happily go again.
And you never know, maybe a the team sheet for the game might get to me one day.
By John White
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