Breidablik look a well-coached side more so than another level in terms of ability of physicality. They have their drilled patterns of play that keep finding space for themselves in dangerous spots, know how to press etc. Rovers will need to wake up sharpish.
They dont look like coughing up too much even if Rovers were on song. Ball over the top to Gaffney is the only possibility on that 45 and they will be wise to that now. Didnt like how static Rovers were for that last free, some arguing between players and then a cross field punt shadowed out for a throw in. Bit bleak so far, but a rollicking at HT, move the ball a bit quicker, use Byrne as a bit of a decoy as he looks to be the only one really wanting the ball, try and break the high press. Breidablik already lookig the fitter side and covering a lot of ground again maybe late on they could run out of steam and Rovers can have a go but.....
Why is anyone surprised, this is the typical abysmal performance that Rovers dish out annually only this season they have managed to hit a new low if that was even possible. But the usual suspects will deflect and pretend these lads Rovers are playing are good (they really aren't, there's a reason they have to go through pre qualifying) and claim its okay if Rovers embarrass themselves year in year out in Europe because they've won the cup and league again, absolutely no ambition and absolutely no ability to deal with adversity, happy to just win a league and cup every year that they ought to be winning given how big a club they are and the amount of resources they have but as soon they play in Europe and they actually have to dig deep they get exposed. Lets be honest, who's surprised Rovers havent shown up tonight? The only surprise for me is just how bad they actually have been.
And Rovers as per usual look the exact opposite.Originally Posted by Jack B
When you think Rovers are normally very strong at home, that was a battering. Could have been 2 or 3 down at H/T. Good side Breidablik but confirmation that this Rovers team is in decline.
Good point actually. I mean, everyone will have a home advantage but Rovers looked very poor in Bulgaria and Hungary last year, but then won at home (albeit dead legs). Ditto two points at home in the groups but nothing away from home. Fairly big difference between home and away form
Big 45 coming up here.
Last edited by pineapple stu; 11/07/2023 at 7:54 PM.
VAR in effect here apparently?
First time at an LoI ground? Not sure how that'd work at some of the smaller grounds you see in Europe?
Game in Malta is currently suspended - Hamrun Spartans v Maccabi Haifa. Israelis throwing flares about and have burned the pitch and some of the seats I think. They'd 2-0 up but would probably lose 3-0 if it's abandoned
Edit - back underway after a delay of I think 40 minutes or so
Last edited by pineapple stu; 11/07/2023 at 8:03 PM.
We hear a lot about Rovers' superior training facilities and conditioning, and yet they are getting outmuscled all over the pitch here.
Rovers much better this half though without really threatening.
Breidablik seem to be tiring
25 minutes into the 2nd half and we are starting to see that these Icelanders aren't actually that great and Rovers just made them look great like they usually do.
I see Klasvik drawing 0-0 against Ferencvaros with not long left to go. They could be no pushover either in the ECL.
Ballkani 2 up on Ludogorets.
It never ceases to amaze me just how bad Rovers are in Europe and that Kavanagh shot just sums them up, how is it possible to put a shot that far wide?
The losers to play the losers of Rovers v Breidablik in the Europa League of course
Whoops, another terrible loi result in Europe!
Europa Conference League. They won’t have that parachute if they don’t go through in this tie.
Well that's fantastic, hopefully the Iceland lads finish the job next week
Entertaining second half but Rovers just dont seem to have real leaders on the team. Still doable though
"Now jump up there and stuff that son of a bitch in the basket, chief"
Well all do a bit of Rovers bashing but I think youve made your point - you are not impressed and not surprised, just totally amazed....
How can you have a side as ancient as this and not have leaders!
But but but they'll win the FAI cup, who cares that they lost at home to a bunch of part timers who made them look like a pub side.
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