Gulbrandsen gives Kolbotn the edge
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Article summary
Kolbotn IL 2-1 1. FFC Frankfurt Solveig Gulbrandsen scored twice before Sandra Smisek's away goal set up what should be a thrilling second leg.
Article body
Solveig Gulbrandsen scored twice as Kolbotn IL defeated the holders 1. FFC Frankfurt in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Cup quarter-final.
Stars on show
With Germany having beaten Norway in the final of the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship, many of the stars of that competition were on display at the Sofiemyr Stadium in Oslo. Gulbrandsen, perhaps Norway's best player in that competition in England, became the first player to score past Silke Rottenberg since she took over in the Frankfurt goal this season as she broke the deadlock from close range in the 48th minute.
Sweet shot
Having only recently returned to action after giving birth, the attacking midfielder doubled Kolbotn's lead three minutes later with a sweet shot from 16 metres. The home side were then pegged back as Frankfurt sought an away goal, and they were rewarded in the 73rd minute as Sandra Smisek found the net to set up what should be a fascinating return in Germany next Thursday.
'Delighted'
Gulbrandsen said: "We felt that Frankfurt's defence was the weakest part of their team and we went out to put pressure on them. We had full control in the first half, but tired towards the end. Still, I'm delighted with the result."
