Brøndby 2
Dundee Utd 0
UEFA Cup (1st Round 1st Leg)

Match Report

This was not a happy return to the European scene as Brondby proceeded to play much better than when previously watched and this combined with a poor United performance and a waterlogged pitch leaves the Tangerines with something of an uphill struggle for the second leg.

The game in fact almost didn't survive the torrential rain which had fallen in Copenhagen over the preceding five days, but it left the pitch at best sodden and in places under water. Not that the conditions could be blamed for the opening goal.

The Danes' first corner wasn't cleanly gathered by Alan Main and Okechukwu, their Nigerian defender, capitalised, but his effort was cleared off the line by skipper Dave Bowman. Unfortunately the ball fell to Kim Vilfort and their captain shot home strongly through a ruck of players. Clearly boosted by that goal, Alan Main was then forced to tip over an attempted chip from 25 yards by Risager. United's only attack of the first half came almost on the interval when Christian Dailly broke clear on the left and Krogh only just managed to punch clear from the on rushing Andy McLaren.

Thirty seconds into the second period came a cruel blow. The conditions played their part in allowing Strudel to work the ball into Jesper Kristensen's path and he steered a left foot shot into the far corner. United's best move of the game came on the hour mark and ended with Scott Crabbe heading an Andy McLaren cross inches wide. A goal then could well have turned the tie, but it was Brondby who threatened most in the closing stages. Okechukwu headed over when it seemed easier to score; Alan Main had to run back to turn a 50 yard lob from Kristensen and Strudel blasted a shot past the near post after the conditions were again instrumental in setting up a scoring chance for the Danes whose two goal lead at the end of ninety minutes could have been even greater.