Experts had an easy time picking a winner of this match between the two teams from Vršovice (well, Slavia will be back in Vršovice from Strahov asylum in the spring next year). The home team, Bohemians, that did not score up to this point a goal against even strength opponents was facing a team that was leading the first division and that just defeated Steaua Bucurest in the Champions League after qualifying there by beating teams like Ajax Amsterdam.
But even experts can be wrong. True, there were intangibles - Slavia had a few players in the injured list. Bohemians on the other hand were boosted by the return of the German Bundesliga veteran Marek Nikl. However, the quality difference between these two teams still loomed large, at least on paper.
Foxy coach Busta realizing that Slavia defense was weakened by the absence of tall rearguards took advantage of the situation by nominating two tall forwards, Ordoš and Škoda, in the starting lineup. The tactic payed off almost immediately - Šmarda’s precisely executed free kick was headed home by Škoda only 13 minutes into the game. Bohemians continued outplaying Slavia for the rest of the first half, playing demanding football that would thrill all fans of English-style football. Marek Nikl not only played his usual, in-your-face football, but his presence also injected more confidence in other players in green-and-white jerseys.
Slavia‘s coach, Jarolím, sent three forwards on the field to start the second half to revive fortunes of his team. Slavia pressed and pressed, but to no avail. Bohemians built a fortress in front of Sňozík that was not to be conquered. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats until Kunášek scored the insurance goal with 5 minutes to go. This was a beautiful goal that was voted the Goal of the Week by football fans.
For those of you interested in seeing both goals, you can do so by going here: 256kbps quality or 768kbps quality
For those of you who would also like to see Marek Nikl in action, go here: http://fotbalzive.ct24.cz/video.asp?video_id=1765
And, finally, if you have more time on your hands and would like to see the entire game, go here: 256kbps quality or 768kbps quality
The game was followed by a rock concert by two rock groups whose members cheer either for Bohemians or Slavia. By all accounts, the evening was a total success.
Bohemians will have an opportunity to prove that the victory against Slavia was not a fluke on Sunday, September 30 in Mladá Boleslav where they will face another participant of the European cups, this time UEFA Cup. The game starts at 5 pm.
Event: The Czech First Division - Gambrinus League, 2007-2008 Season, 7th Round
Date and Time: September 23, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Stadium: Ďolíček
Attendance: 7500 (sold out)
Goals: 13. Škoda, 85. Kunášek
Yellow Cards: Rada (Bohemians)
Red Cards: None
Referees: Jech - Filgas, Goňa
Bohemians 1905: Sňozík - Marek, Rada, Lukáš, Šmarda - Moravec (73. Kotyza), Nikl, Slezák, Kunášek - Ordoš (62. Polodna), Škoda (76. Adam)
Slavia Praha: Vaniak - Krajčík, Suchý, Šourek, Hubáček - Janda, Kalivoda (67. Volešák), Belaid (46. Ivana), Pudil - Vlček, Šenkeřík (61. Necid)
