Frankfurt ready for Rossiyanka
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Article summary
Both 1. FFC Frankfurt and WFC Rossiyanka expect another tough contest when the sides meet in the quarter-final second leg having drawn 0-0 in Russia.
Article body
German champions 1. FFC Frankfurt are able to welcome back midfield linchpin Renate Lingor for their UEFA Women's Cup quarter-final decider against WFC Rossiyanka having been held to a scoreless draw in the first leg in Russia last Thursday.
Weekend cameo
Lingor missed out last week but proved her fitness with a 15-minute cameo on Sunday as Frankfurt defeated TSV Crailsheim 3-1 to return to the top of the Frauen Bundesliga, previous leaders FCR 2001 Duisburg not in action. Coach Hans-Jürgen Tritschoks said: "For 30 minutes we played attacking football at speed, combined well and should have increased our lead. After the interval we dropped down a few gears which is understandable because on Wednesday a very difficult second leg against Rossiyanka awaits us."
No complacency
As Frankfurt continue their campaign for an unprecendented third European title, he added: "We faced huge difficulties in Russia and I had to be pleased with my team's efforts. The situation we now face after drawing 0-0 in the first leg in Moscow is a good one, but we mustn't think we're through, especially because of away goals. I expect Rossiyanka to be very physical, and they will try to use their quick wingers. We have to quickly go on the attack after winning the ball. In this game between two of Europe’s top teams, taking your chances will play a big part in deciding the tie."
Confident visitors
A 20-player Rossiyanka squad touched down in Frankfurt on Monday, with confidence high following a stalemate at the Rodina Stadium in which Olga Petrova hit the woodwork and Olga Kremleva wasted a great late chance. Knowing a score draw would be enough to take his side through, visiting coach Vladimir Gerasimov said: "Our task is to make it as far as possible in this competition. If we can make it past Frankfurt, one of the best teams in Europe, this would be another step forward for Russian women's football." The return of Anna Kozhnikova and Maria Dyatchkova from suspension is countered by the loss to injury of another defender, Oksana Shmachkova, and midfielder Nadezhda Kharchenko.