Match report:

I`ve hardly seen any team create so little as Brann did today. Quite obvious they came with one intention - to defend deep and in numbers, meaning Tromsø IL had to struggle hard to break thru their defense line. The home side had much of the possession in the first half and soon the chances came as well. Sigurd Rushfeldt had a free header that went wide of the goal and Morten Moldskred saw his shot inches wide of the post. Brann had their only chance of the game in the first half when Djemba Nyren fired a long shot that didn’t bother Sead Ramovic too much. In the second half it was the same scenario again with Brann defending bravely against a home side that so desperate wanted all the three points. Tromsø IL played some neat football and Steinar Nilsen`s men looked to build on their first half display, but it wasn’t their day in front of goal. Both Sigurd Rushfeld and Morten Moldskred wasted several big chances allowing the visitors to get away with a lucky point in what was a poor performance by the last season’s champions.
 
I was pleased to see Morten Moldskred back in the starting lineup, and more importantly no one could see any signs of his earlier injury that has hampered the beginning of his season. He got a full 90th minutes under his belt and especially in the first half he looked very lively, creating lots of trouble for a Brann defense that couldn’t cope with his pace. To be fair to them, not too many defenders can keep up with him when he is moving forward, but what’s separates him from so many others is his cleverness in his game. His positioning and timing of his run are second to none and he proved last season that he is a clinical and a deadly finisher. Today he had some great chances which he missed, but I am sure that if he can stay fit he will score many goals this season.

Brann defended well with central defender Azar Karadas and left-back Erlend Hanstveit their team top performers, but again Tromsø`s defense deserves a mentioning. Both full backs, Tom Høgli on the right and Hans Åge Yndestad on the left, had a great game. They both moved forward in style to help out their winger whenever needed. Their crossing has improved a lot and they looked very solid in defense, not allowing Brann to get around on the sides. Whatever Brann threw forward in an attempt to create something it was nothing that their solid central defenders, Tore Reginiussen and Miika Koppinen, couldn’t deal with. I feel that I am repeating myself when single them week after week, but it`s fully deserved. They both fulfill each other so well that it would surprise me if their performances have gone unnoticed by bigger clubs. Especially Tore Reginiussen, who was the man of the match against Brann, is good enough to play for any major side in Spain, Italy, France or England.

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Not to many clear chances in the first half until Adriano Munoz had a great chance to put the visitors in front just before half time. He came one on one with the goalkeeper, but his low shot were saved by Rune Jarstein. Both sides looked solid in defense, but second half both sides tried to create more opportunities, sending more people forward and eventually the first goal had to come in the match. It was central defender, Miika Koppinen who scored with a delightful back-header in off the post after a great corner. Tromsø IL looked solid in defense and when they came under real pressure they could always rely on their rock solid goalkeeper, Sead Ramovic. He made several match winning saves and was quite clearly the man of the match. Rosenborg got more and more frustrated and Tromsø IL had a couple of counter attacks that could so easily have settled the match sooner. Sigurd Rushfeldt hit the bar after a great cross by left-winger Joel Lindpere before Tommy Knarvik also had an effort off target, following some good build-up play. An even match, but I felt Tromsø IL deserved their win which so easily actually could have been bigger. They came with ambition to win this difficult away game and they duly delivered today.

For the home side it`s sad to witness that some of their great players, Aleksander Tettey and Marek Sapara to name a couple, are played out of position. Especially Tettey expressed his anger to the media after the match, after playing the entire match as a winger and not in his preferred role in the middle of the park. Marek Sapara also played wide instead of his usual and role in the middle, but he is just pure class and had no problems settling in his new role. He looked lively and delivered some great crosses and almost scored in the first half. He has been sidelined for many weeks so I was impressed with his display today. He has what it takes to play at the highest level and I would be surprise if he doesn’t get picked up before the season. He has great vision, excellent passing skills, works well both in defense and offense and he scores goals. In my opinion the best midfielder in Norway and he deserves to get a well deserved chance to play elsewhere with the big boys.

For the visitors it’s hard not to give praise to their goalkeeper, Sead Ramovic. Recently former national-coach for Norway, Nils Johan Semb published his own personal list over `top six goalkeepers in Norway. On that list you couldn’t find the name Sead Ramovic, which makes you wonder where Semb have been these last couple of seasons. I`ve said for quite some time that he`s the best goalkeeper in the Norwegian league and today, as always, he proved his class. If his national team, Bosnia Herzegovina, hadn’t had their off field problems, he would be their number one for sure. His contract with Tromsø IL is expiring after the season and the reason is simply because they have waited too long before offering an extension to his current one. Sure he loves playing for them, you could clearly see that when observing their training sessions, but I feel that he has bigger things to achieve for a bigger club in a better league. Money talks and I am sure when clubs in England, Spain, France and Germany show interest in him, he will have a big decision to make.  

The players in front of Ramovic have also been in fantastic form and if they can keep on playing with the same confidence that they are doing at the moment, who knows what this season may bring. The much talked about central defenders, Tore Reginiussen and Miika Koppinen seem to have a formed a unique understanding between themselves and it`s just a beauty to watch how they neutralize whatever opponents throw at them.
Their newly composed midfield are also playing with confidence and they are keeping things simple and it`s working well for them. Tommy Knarvik, Helge Haugen and Joel Lindpere have done some good work this season and I believe we`ll hear a lot more from them as the season progress. Up front Sigurds Rushfeldt had a decent match. He should have scored for sure, but he worked well and looked stronger now comparing to previous rounds. 1 Mai he is free to sign for a new club. He still has two good years left as a footballer and it will be interesting to know what he decides to do.

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Stabæk played some good football today and where clearly the better team. Some players stood out more than others and deserve a mentioning.

Veigar Pall Gunnarson have not started the season as he finished last campaign, but he gave strong evidence today that he is on the right track at the moment. Earlier in the week he told the press that he had high hopes to leave Stabæk sooner rather than later. If you consider his length of his current contract, which runs out after the season, it’s very likely to happen. Maybe if clubs show interest in him this summer he will be allowed to leave as Stabæk are in desperate need of getting something back for the player that have served them so well. I wouldn’t recommend him to any clubs in England because I don’t think he is capable of playing at such high level. However the leagues in Belgium and Netherlands would suit him well. He is quoted saying that playing in Germany would be his ultimate dream and maybe he could do a job for a Bundesliga-side.     

One of my favorite strikers in the league is without a doubt the Swede Daniel Nannskog. He is 33 years old, which really isn’t that old nowadays for a footballer, but he is playing like he’s 5 years younger. He expressed his desire last year to finish his career abroad and still maybe it isn’t too late. His excellent positioning, great pace and his keen eye for a goal, 66 goals in 85 games says it all, surely is some qualities that clubs abroad would find interesting. While most clubs wouldn’t give him a chance when considering his age, those who do will do bargain a in securing his services. Sure the Norwegian league would be an attraction shorter, but I honestly believe Stabæk wouldn’t stall a possible transfer if it were to happen.

Midfielder Somen Tchoyi, one of my favorite players in Norway, had a terrific game today and clearly was the man of the match in my view.  He had one great assist, scored a great goal and where constant threat all match thru. His work rate is absolutely outstanding and his contribution, in defense and in Stabæk`s offensive play, is just a beauty to watch. He is like the modern type of midfielders who can work all over the pitch and at the same time posses a real danger in attack, as he proved today when scoring with a great long shot. Last season he where probably Stabæk`s top performer and I honestly was surprised that bigger clubs didn’t try to sign him, but if he can keep on playing like he did today it`s only matter of time before he moves on. 

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Fredrikstad indicated early on that they came to Lerkendal with ambition to get three points. Both sides missed some good opportunities early on, but it was the visitors that would get the first goal thru a penalty. Bjørn Tore Kvarme dragged down Hans Erik Ramberg as last man and was quite rightly sent off. Kasey Wehrman made not mistake and scored his first for the season. After their lead it seemed like they weren’t as eager to get forward as where the case before the goal. As a result Rosenborg where allowed to get back in the game and just before half time Yossuf Kone arrived at the far post to convert a Abduo Traore cross. The home side started the second half as they finished the first and got a penalty after Per Ciljan Skjelbred was dragged down inside the box. Yossuf Kone stepped up, but Lasse Staw made a superb save to rescue the visitors. Rosenborg continued to press forward and created a couple great chances, but again Staw made some excellent saves. Instead it was Fredrikstad that would get away with all the points after substitute, Andreas Tegstrøm, fed the ball to Hans Erik Ramberg who made no mistake alone with goalkeeper, Rune Jarstein.  

If Lasse Staw can continue to deliver performances like he did tonight it will not be long until bigger clubs will show interest in the young goalkeeper. He looks very solid and I can’t to watch him more closely as the season progress. Some credit must also be given to the strong central defender, Raio Piiroja. He`s got what it takes to play at a higher level and when you consider his solid displays over the last two seasons with Fredrikstad, you must wonder why he hasn’t been picked up already? I must say I wouldn’t be surprised if he were to be picked up already this summer. Kasey Wehrman and Ardian Gashi are both tireless midfielders with good awareness and no fear. The duo seems to have formed a good relationship in the middle of the park. Wehrman has his main strengths in his defensive play and Gashi particularly in his offensive play. For Rosenborg I would like to single out Vadim Demidov and Per Ciljan Skjelbred. Demidov is best as a midfielder, but Rosenborg are trying to play him as a central defender, which seems to suit him quite well. Against Fiorentina in the UEFA-cup he had some decent performances, and now with a few more matches under his belt he has already matured a lot. I have no doubt that he will develop into a quality player, both for his national team and for a bigger club. The midfielder, Per Ciljan Skjelbred, who still is only 21, is playing some really good football at the moment and is showing great signs that he is a player to look out for. His work rate is impressive and his passing is second to none. If he can add a few more goals per season, as I am sure he is capable of, he would for sure attract interest from some of the major clubs in Europe.

Match report:

High flying Tromsø IL can count themselves lucky after their goalless draw with Molde. The visitors had the first real opportunity when Sigurd Rushfeldt saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper, but from there and in Molde where clearly the better team. Mame Biram Diouf and Daniel Berg Hestad wasted two enormous chances, chances that must have ruined their night of sleep. Several other chances where wasted, but Tromsø IL where able to withstand the heavy pressure to secure one point after a though battle.

Vegard Forren was a commanding presence at the back for Molde. The much talked about defender delivered a solid performance and took star player for Tromsø IL, Sigurd Rushfeldt, completely out of the game. Daniel Berg Hestad and Magne Hoseth did well in midfield, although Tommy Knarvik for Tromsø IL also made his mark in the middle of the park. Rumors says that Tommy Knarvik are in the frame for Norway`s national team in their upcoming friendly match. No one could be too surprised if that were to happen, at least not when you consider his excellent form for Tromsø IL. Man of the match award, along with Vegard Forren, must go to Tromsø`s goalkeeper, Sead Ramovic. He played a vital role today, making several match winning saves. I rate him as the best keeper in the Norwegian league, have done that for nearly two years, and I would be surprised if there weren’t a massive race for his signature when he is a bosman-player after the season. Right back Tom Høgli had good day on the job. As I mention last week he seems to have matured and developed into a quality full back. It will be interesting to see over the upcoming weeks if he can keep on improving his game. Also central defenders Miika Koppinen and Tore Reginiussen had a lot to do today and they both delivered some decent performances.   

Match report:

Local derby with lots of nerves after both teams had a lot to prove to their own fans after some poor performances last weekend. Lillestrøm were humiliated against Stabæk and you could see clear signs that they were in lack of confidence. Few chances where created in the first but in the second half you could clearly see the difference between the sides.
Vålerenga made some tactical changes and turned the game into their advantage. First the lively Mohammed Abdellaoue should have had a penalty that was not given. Moments later scored with a fine heading after a great corner. In the 64th minute he struck again after Otto Fredriksson gave a rebound after a free kick. The visitors continued to press forward and they were rewarded with a penalty after Morten Berre was brought down in the area. Martin Andresen stepped up and scored from the penalty kick. Lillestrøm didn’t create any chance all game thru and that says it all really. A fully deserved victory for Vålerenga.

Last weekend Mohammed Abdellaoue came on as a substitute when they lost 2-0 against Tromsø. He impressed me with his pace and eager to try and create something on his own, even if he were alone and up against two or three defenders. In that game his teammates failed to give him much needed support, meaning he had few options rather than trying to create something on his own. Even thought he didn’t manage to create a lot he proved to me that this is a player that Vålerenga could get a lot out of. Today he got his first well deserved place in the starting lineup and he duly delivered. After scoring two goals and being a real handful for the defenders the whole match thru, he was the man of the match without a doubt. Of course other players stood out for Vålerenga after their impressive win. Zero chances for the home side don’t happen too often, but thanks to a solid Vålerenga defense it was the case. Dan Thommason and Kjetil Wæhler in central defense were superb and their full backs in Jarl Andre Storbæk and Freddy Dos Santos also played their part in the win. Daniel Fredheim Holm is also on the right track it seems. If he can continiue to deliver like this in every match, i am sure he will add a few more goals to his account as well.

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Ålesund in front of a fanatic home crowd is always going to be a difficult test for any visitor side, and against Brann they proved it once again. The home side started out brightly, creating lots of chances and they didn’t have to wait long before they got their first goal. Great combination-play between Johan Arneng and Karl Oscar Fjørtoft before the ball was delivered to Diego Silva who scored his first goal of the season. It was a great start by Ålesund, who were moving the ball well and looking a real threat with every attack. It seemed like Brann was not at all prepared for this match, but they got a lucky equalizer after an own goal by the unlucky Jonathan Parr. Ålesund couldn’t believe that Brann where back in the game so they started the second half exactly as the first. The ball was headed down by Diego Silva to Tor Hogne Aarøy who scored with a great strike to make it 2-1. Moments later Amund Skiri headed in 3-1 after a corner and when Brann`s Kristjan Ørn Sigurdsson was sent off minutes later the three points looked secured. But in the end it could have gone wrong for them as Brann scored after another own goal. A corner where headed in by Tor Hogne Aarøy past a helpless Adin Brown, but the game where surely settled when substitute Denis Selimovic scored 4-2 late on. It could seem like an even match when you only look at the result, but it was not the case at all. It was a fully deserved and a very convincing win for Ålesund.

In what was clearly a team-win, where all players for the home side contributed, still some stood out from the rest. Man of the match in my view was without a doubt Johan Arneng. He totally dominated the midfield together with Karl Oscar Fjørtoft. His passing, short and long, was of high quality. Another player with an impressing performance was their defender Ener Jààger. He’s a right-back with pace and great eager to press forward. Capped 40 times for his national team, Estonia, is impressive when you`re only 23 year old. Amund Skiri was also a commanding presence in central defense. Up front I have been an admirer of Diego Silva for some time. He is a player to look out for and I expect him to get around 15 goals this season. Jonathan Parr is only 20 years old, but is showing real potential already. I thought he would do best as a striker, but since those places are taken by Silva and Aarøy, he is happy to fill out the wing-role which he does in a very convincing way. For Brann the only player that delivered a decent performance was Håkon Opdal. Class goalkeeper at his best, but he still does to many mistakes to make him an interesting object for top clubs in Europe.

Match report:

The match started out in a slow tempo where both sides looked well organized. Few chances where created in the first half, but Vålerenga fired a warning shot in the 30th minute when Daniel Fredheim Holm lifted a shot over the bar from close range when he had time and space to do better. The hosts created several half chances thru Tommy Knarvik and Sigurd Rushfeldt, but none of them really tested the goalkeeper. It wasn’t until a controversial penalty where given tempers flared. Tromsø IL defender, Miika Koppinen, where dragged down in the area by defender Dan Thomassen. Sigurd Rushfeldt made no mistake from the penalty spot, his first goal for the season. Substitute for Vålerenga, Gunnar Thorvaldsson, responded with a great header that went just inched wide of the goal. But Tromsø IL seemed to have control the rest of the game and surely settled it when they scored their second of the day. In the 89th minute Tommy Knarvik was the scorer when he lashed home his first goal for the club with a powerful strike from just outside the box.

As I predicted before kickoff most the battles where going to be fought in the middle of the park. Both side looked comfortable throughout, but Tromsø`s newly composed central line in Tommy Knarvik and Helge Haugen had the upper hand. They seem to have formed a fearful duo. Again the central defenders in Miika Koppinen and Tore Reginiussen made another excellent match. They form the best partnership in Tippeligaen for sure, but probably also the best in Scandinavia at the moment. Tom Høgli at right back for Tromsø played another solid match and he seems to have settled in at the right-back role which is quite new for the former midfielder. Striker Sigurd Rushfeldt and goalkeeper Sead Ramovic, both bosman-players soon, didn’t play up to their best, but both are capable of playing at a higher level. Vålerenga is a side blessed with skilled players, but most of them didn’t deliver today. In central defense they have Dan Thomassen and Kjetil Wæhler who both played well. Daniel Fredheim Holm, Martin Andresen and Kristofer Hæstad showed a few times what they are capable of, but the majority can only improve their game in the upcoming weeks.

Match report:

It was an untidy opening with not to many clear chances being created before Johan Andersson silenced the travelling fans. He came one on one with the goalkeeper, after a superb assist by Daniel Nannskog, and sent the ball in the net with a cool finish. Minutes later it was leveled again when Steinar Pedersen was brought down in the penalty area. One of the best penalty-takers in Tippeligaen, Khaled Mouelhi, made no mistake from the penalty spot. Just before half time Johan Andersson scored his second of the day after another great assist by Nannskog. He where clean thru on goal and made no mistake alone with the goalkeeper, almost an identical goal as the first one. Stabæk played some terrific passing football during the second half and the visitors were forced to defend deep and in numbers. A magnificent second half display by the home side saw them score 3-1 after Christian Keller arrived at the far post to convert a Alanzinho cross. Moments later Nannskog and Alanzinho came close, but goalkeeper Otto Fredrikson made some really good saves allowing the visitors to stay in the game. But it was Alanzinho who made the biggest impact when he effectively sealed the victory on 81 minutes with a great strike after dribbling past three defenders. It had little to say when Vidar Riseth scored his first goal for the club- a delightful back-header after a great corner.       

Maybe Stabæk can be a serious title challenger this season? Based on their display today no one could argue against such a scenario. Soon bosman-player, Alanzinho, where playing some excellent football and together with Anthony Annan they form a duo that surely will play for bigger clubs sooner rather than later. Daniel Nannskog and Veigar Pall Gunnarson also played some good football, but debutant Johan Andersson got the headlines as he deserved. The Swedish midfielder where outstanding and if he can keep producing performances like this Stabæk may have done a bargain in bringing him in. For the visitors Otto Fredrikson played well. He made several crucial saves and he couldn’t be blamed for any of the goals he let in. Also substitute, Karim Essediri, who is an offensive winger, made an immediately impact. I can’t believe he’s been on the bench for nearly two years now. He`s a player that should play regularly and if Lillestrøm can’t guarantee him more than a substitute role he might prove to be a bargain for clubs interested in his services.

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Investors have dug deep into their own pockets in an attempt to help Vålerenga climb back to the top of the table. New arrivals such as Lars Iver Strand, Bengt Sæternes and record signing Kristofer Hæstad where all in the starting lineup when Ålesund where visitors. The home side started up brightly creating lots of chances and dominating the first half, but never got the leading goal until Morten Berre scored late in the game. Ålesund should have been given a penalty in the final moments of the game, but none were given by the referee. All in all it was a well deserved victory for Vålerenga.

For Vålerenga several players played well and they proved to everyone that they have a quality side all over the place. In particularly midfielder Kristofer Hæstad and central defender Kjetil Wæhler stood out. Morten Berre and Martin Andresen also made their mark. Ålesund knew they had a though test on their hand and they never really threaten the home side. Their goalkeeper Adin Brown is a very reliable keeper and proved it again this afternoon. Also their youngsters Peter Orry Larsen and Jonathan Parr are players to keep an close eye on in the upcoming weeks.  

Match report:

Both teams are expected to be among the top six this season and especially Tromsø IL played some fantastic football this afternoon and quite clearly should have won. Lillestrøm took the lead after only 12 minutes after Simen Brenne`s shot came off the bar and then hit the unlucky goalkeeper Sead Ramovic in the back so it went in. Tromsø responded well by creating lots of chances but they couldn’t get the equalizer before half time. Second half started up as the first. Tromsø were in control and when Douglas Sequeira came off the bench to score the equalizer no one could say that it wasn’t deserved. After the goals both side looked settled with one point in what have been an entertaining match.

The newly composed central midfield with Tommy Knarvik and Helge Haugen were in total control and dominating the entire match. Knarvik, a former Leeds United youngster, was the man of the match in my view. His first match for his new club and he sure delivered. Miika Koppinen was a commanding presence at centre-back and together with Tore Reginiussen they form the best defensive partnerships in Tippeligaen. Striker Sigurd Rushfeldt, bosman player after this season, played well even thought he wasted several clear chances. I would expect him to score around 15 goals this season and maybe if he does that he would attract interest from abroad. Lillestrøm on their hand have some quality players that I look forward to follow during the season. However most of them didn’t play up to their best today, but midfielder Simen Brenne, central defender Vidar Riseth and young goalkeeper Otto Fredrikson played some good football.  

Match report:

In a very entertaining match where both sides could have won, Thorstein Helstad proved to be the difference between the sides. Chances were created in both ends, but home supporters had to wait until the 18` minute before Helstad scored his first of the day. He dribbled past two defenders before he fired a thunderous shot past goalkeeper Lasse Staw. Moments later Helstad should have got his second but his header went inches wide of the goal. The game would have been over if that one had gone in but instead Kasey Werman hits the bar with his shot and Tarik Elyounoussi gets first to the rebound to make it 1-1. In the second half the introduction of Azar Karadas had a instant effect when he scored moments later after coming on. The Swedish striker Gardar Johannsson had an easy job to score the equalizer after a great assist by the impressive Tarik Elyounoussi. In fact Elyounoussi should have scored 2-3 in the end, but his shot went inches wide of the post. With Thorstein Helstad in your side you are always likely to score and that’s what happened in the end. Great finishing from last season top scorer sealed the victory for last season league winners.

I have to say that I am impressed with Brann that still have managed to hang on to their star player Thorstein Helstad. Surely to good to play in Norway and with his current contract soon running out it`s only a matter of time before he moves to a bigger club. Brann have much quality in their side and especially in defense they look strong. The partnership between Kristjan Ørn Sigurdsson and Olafur Bjarnarson is working as always and on the left back they have the impressive Erlend Hanstveit. In Midfield they are struggling a bit, but with left-winger Petter Vaagan Moen in their side they are always likely to create trouble for any defenses. For the visitors Tarik Elyounoussi were a constant threat all match long and you must ask the question; why is such talent not in the squad for Norway`s national team? Surely when he signs for a top club he will be a regular for the national team, but it’s a disgrace