Know your opponent: Sarpsborg 08

Maccabi Tel Aviv will face their first ever foe from Norway when they battle Sarpsborg 08 of the Eliteserien in the Playoff Round for a ticket to the Europa League Group Stages. To help us get to know more about Sarpsborg 08, we spoke to Eurosport TV commentator Jørn Sundby @jornsundby and BJarte @Bjellas an avid supporter of Norwegian clubs and Israel.

“I think Sarpsborg’s strength first and foremost is their collective,” explained BJarte. “Joonas Tamm on loan from Flora in the central defense was extremely good against Rijeka.” Sundby added, “Striker Patrick Mortensen is very hard working and is also active on defense. He’s strong in the air and runs on every ball. Rashad Muhammed their new winger has blistering pace, but misses too many chances while Lund Nielsen and Kristoffer Zachariassen never tire and are box to box players.”

As for their style of play Sundby commented, “They play a direct style with balls behind the defense for Muhammed or on the wingers for crosses to Mortensen. They have scored half of their goals this season in the Norwegian League on set pieces and are very strong in that aspect.” BJarte added, “Sarpsborg play 4-4-2 and they usually don’t concede a lot of goals on the their home ground, including only one at home against Rijeka.”

Head Coach Geir Bakke has been in charge of or served as an assistant for Norwegian clubs since 1999. “Bakke has been Sarpsborg’s boss since 2015,” said BJarte. “Since he took over they have done really well and finished in 3rd place domestically last season which was their best result ever.” Bundby chimed in, “The coach is very strong tactically and good at developing players. He’s a true football man.”

What will Maccabi expect in terms of atmosphere in Norway? Sundby explained, “The Club is very young and was founded in 2008, replacing the other clubs in the town. They only entered the top league in 2011. The supporters are enthusiastic and friendly, but not fanatic. They don’t have any ultras or similar. This is the first time they are playing in Europe so the club are still in their infancy and are building. Although the town is known for ice hockey, that is beginning to change.”

BJarte agreed, “Over the last few years attendance has begun to surpass that of hockey and the match against Maccabi will be sold out with approximately 7,000 fans in attendance. The contest will be at Sarpsborg Stadion on artificial turf.”

After advancing through three rounds of Europa League qualifying, spirits and hopes are high. “I am expecting two tight matches; not many goals and it could be close, 50/50,” said Sundby. BJarte concluded, “Sarpsborg have beaten good teams in the qualifying round (St. Gallen and Rijeka). Tel Aviv had an easier way to the playoff round so I think this tie is going to be very even. However, Maccabi has a lot of experience in these kinds of games and for Sarpsborg this is a completely new experience. Perhaps Vidar Kjartansson will be the wildcard after playing in the Norwegian Premier League. Maybe he will tip the scales?”