Feyenoord fight back

Feyenoord recovered from a goal down to defeat FC Kärnten 2-1 in Rotterdam in the UEFA Cup first round.

Well-worked move
The Austrian visitors packed their defence in a tight first half, and worked hard to deny the Eredivisie side time and space. The closest the home side came to opening the scoring came when Ferne Snoyl found Thomas Buffel moving towards goal, but the forward was forced to lay the ball off to Kees van Wonderen and neither the defender not Dirk Kuijt could get a clear sight of goal.

Maric delight
Alfred Schreuder and Kuijt both had shots blocked before half-time, but the home supporters were stunned 12 minutes after the restart as Kärnten striker Marijo Maric rose above Van Wonderen to head the visitors into the lead.

Kuijt on target
Feyenoord responded well to falling behind, and drew level four minutes past the hour as Kuijt was on hand to sweep a corner into the net. The striker then created a chance for substitute Danko Lazovic, whose shot was well saved by Kärnten goalkeeper Roland Goriupp.

Late winner
The home team were not to be denied, however, and scored the winning goal with 14 minutes remaining, as Lazovic collected the ball inside the penalty area and crossed for Buffel to give his side a lead to defend in Austria on 16 October.