Match preview: UEFA EL 2nd round 2nd leg: HJK - Vetra on Thursday 23rd of July
- 22.07.2009 11:08 -
The decisive UEFA Europa League qualifying match between two strong teams, HJK and Lithuanian Vetra, will take place on Thursday 23rd of July in Helsinki’s Finnair Stadium. HJK’s a step ahead by agg. 0-1.
This years Lithuanian League is played by only eight teams. FK Vetra is after 13 games placed second by 28 points, 8 wins, 4 draws and only 1 loss. Vetra has been scoring goals with good force: 30 goals for, and just 11 against.
Last domestic match took place some two weeks ago and thereafter Vetra has had time to concentrate only for UEFA Europa League games. First qualification round showed the true potential of the Lithuanian side. FK Vetra reigned against Luxembourgish CS Grevenmacher by winning twice 3-0.
HJK knew little about Vetra before the first game but still was able to win the first game in Vilnus, Lithuania by 0-1. Although HJK scored early by right back Mikko Hauhia’s cross and winger Dawda Bah smooth finish, Vetra had its chances to get back. Thanks to HJK goalie Ville Wallén and HJK’s defending attitude Vetra could not get closer than 25 meters for their attempts.
In domestic league, HJK’s strengthen its lead in the table when the rival teams failed to win and HJK fought a draw with TPS. At the moment HJK’s in the top of the league by 31 points while TPS and Haka share the second position by 27 points each.
HJK head coach Antti Muurinen said that HJK will not settle for draw but is keen to have the decisive second goal early on in the match. Muurinen emphasizes that everything’s in HJK’s own hands from now on.
Muurinen also says that Vetra’s left side players are dangerous and it’s important not to give them any space. In addition Vetra’s playmaker, only 20-year-old Georgi Bochev is the one that HJK midfield should take seriously.
By drawing or winning HJK would go on. Vetra needs to score twice and win by one goal to go on, if the match ends 0-1 we will see an extra time: It is as simple as that.
UEFA Europa League: HJK Helsinki - FK Vetra on Thursday 23rd of July in Finnair Stadium, Helsinki
Last domestic match took place some two weeks ago and thereafter Vetra has had time to concentrate only for UEFA Europa League games. First qualification round showed the true potential of the Lithuanian side. FK Vetra reigned against Luxembourgish CS Grevenmacher by winning twice 3-0.
HJK knew little about Vetra before the first game but still was able to win the first game in Vilnus, Lithuania by 0-1. Although HJK scored early by right back Mikko Hauhia’s cross and winger Dawda Bah smooth finish, Vetra had its chances to get back. Thanks to HJK goalie Ville Wallén and HJK’s defending attitude Vetra could not get closer than 25 meters for their attempts.
In domestic league, HJK’s strengthen its lead in the table when the rival teams failed to win and HJK fought a draw with TPS. At the moment HJK’s in the top of the league by 31 points while TPS and Haka share the second position by 27 points each.
HJK head coach Antti Muurinen said that HJK will not settle for draw but is keen to have the decisive second goal early on in the match. Muurinen emphasizes that everything’s in HJK’s own hands from now on.
Muurinen also says that Vetra’s left side players are dangerous and it’s important not to give them any space. In addition Vetra’s playmaker, only 20-year-old Georgi Bochev is the one that HJK midfield should take seriously.
By drawing or winning HJK would go on. Vetra needs to score twice and win by one goal to go on, if the match ends 0-1 we will see an extra time: It is as simple as that.
UEFA Europa League: HJK Helsinki - FK Vetra on Thursday 23rd of July in Finnair Stadium, Helsinki
