What happened? Bohemians were supposed to win over this beatable opponent and move up in the standings, but no such luck. Indeed, the word “luck” was used very frequently by shocked Bohemians fans after the game. It could be said that if Bohemians did not have bad luck, they would not have any luck at all. Consider this - both shots that ended in the Bohemians net were misdirected by defenders past the hapless goalkeeper. On top of that, Bohemians hit the crossbar on four occasions.<br />
As usual, things are not so simple. Coach Busta was in an unenviable position, missing his two top forwards (Bálek and Ordoš) due to injuries. He decided to go up front with tall Škoda (converted defender) and Polodna who has been a major disappointment so far. Whatever tactic he prescribed to his team, this is what fans witnessed – an endless stream of high balls aimed in no man’s territory. Škoda would have to grow wings and double lungs to chase all these errand passes, but he soldiered on bravely. Polodna offered very little help.
Their opponents from southern Bohemia waited patiently for their opportunity to strike. As it turned out, they did not have to wait for too long. A midfield turnover resulted in the first goal. The second goal was similar in that it was a quick attack that caught Bohemians defense naked.
And that was all she wrote. České Budějovice followed a successful screenplay that many similar teams have used in Ďolíček - play defense, wait for quick attack opportunities and when you score the first goal, switch to the 3D tactic (delay, delay, and delay). No wonder that the numbers of fans willing to watch similar spectacles are dwindling.
However, it’s up to the coaching staff and players to come up with a different, executable tactic to beat teams like České Budějovice. The currently approach just does not work.
For those of you interested in seeing both goals of the game, click here: 256kbps quality or 768kbps quality.
Bohemians will play their next, crucial game in Kladno on Sunday, October 21, 2007. The game starts at 3 pm.
Event: The Czech First Division - Gambrinus League, 2007-2008 Season, 9h Round
Date and Time: October 7, 2007 at 4 pm
Stadium: Ďolíček
Attendance: 6395
Goals: 20. Mrkvička, 44. Plocek
Yellow Cards: Lukáš - Žižka, Peroutka, Vozábal
Red Cards: None
Referees: Královec - Slavík, Handlíř
Bohemians 1905: Sňozík - Marek, Rada, Lukáš, Šmarda - Kotyza (46. Bartek), Slezák, Nikl, Kunášek (59. Rychlík) - Škoda, Polodna (46. Adam)
Dynamo České Budějovice: Kučera - Peroutka, Horejš, Hunal (88. Šmíd), Žižka - Plocek (81. Plocek), Vozábal, Hílek, Černý - Mrkvička, Radzinevičius (85. Stráský)
