Denmark round-up: Joy for FCK
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Article summary
FC København clinched the Danish title thanks to a convincing 4-1 victory over AGF Århus on a dramatic final day.
Article body
FC København clinched the Danish Superliga title thanks to a 4-1 victory over AGF Århus on the final day of the season.
Vital victory
Having beaten reigning champions Brøndby IF 1-0 during the week, FCK only needed to win their final match to take the title and turned on the style in the Parken stadium. Meanwhile, Brøndby's challenge faltered against Silkeborg IF, the already relegated side bidding farewell to the top flight with a dramatic 4-3 home victory.
Zivkovic on target
The match in Copenhagen was all but over as a contest by half-time as Bora Zivkovic headed in a Hjalte Nørregaard corner and Todi Jónsson repeated the same feat to give the hosts a two-goal cushion. FCK continued to impress after the interval and extended their lead further on 53 minutes through Nørregaard, before Thomas Røll Larsen converted from the penalty spot to make it 4-0 following a push on Erik Mykland.
Delirious support
Striker Morten Rasmussen, who impressed at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Denmark last season, reduced the deficit two minutes from full time, but by then 38,000 FCK fans were already celebrating a superb end to a memorable season for coach Hans Backe and his troops.
Østergaard delighted
FCK president Flemming Østergaard was already looking ahead to the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after the match, saying: "After a well deserved - but short - summer holiday we will go for the promised land - meaning the Champions League." Sports director Niels Christian Holmstrom added, "I am very content with our squad, and we are definitely not going to talk about possible reinforcements on this day."
Surprise defeat
Brøndby's failure to overcome Silkeborg will have come as a surprise to many, but with FCK taking maximum points, Michael Laudrup's side were unable to catch their rivals whatever the outcome at the Silkeborg stadium. Iddi Alkhag headed the home side ahead inside the first minute, before John Jensen added a second on 13 minutes.
Jonsson double
Brøndby came back into the game at the start of the second half and two goals from Swedish international Mattias Jonsson - after 46 and 51 minutes - levelled the scores. Silkeborg substitute Per Ottesen headed the home team back in front on the hour mark but an own goal from defender Jacob Rasmussen made it 3-3, before Henrik Dahl scored the winner in the final minute.
Fantastic Farum
Superliga newcomers Farum finished third in the table to complete a remarkable debut season and will now take their place in the UEFA Cup qualifying round. The team from the north of Copenhagen secured their berth with a 1-0 home win over Viborg FF, the deciding goal being scored by Thomas Andreasen after only 13 minutes.
Andersen proud
Farum coach Christian Andersen said after the match: "After all we have been through during this past year, with financial turbulence and cuts in wages, I am extremely proud of what my players have achieved. Our effort this season proves that we are at the top of Danish football to stay."
Last berths filled
Esbjerg fB and Odense BK will also be in the UEFA Cup qualifying round after finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Esbjerg suffered a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Aalborg BK, with Allan Gaarde scoring the only goal, while OB secured a narrow 2-1 away over relegated side Køge BK. In the weekend's other match, FC Midtjylland could only manage a 3-3 draw at home against Akademisk Boldklub.