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Thursday, 14 July 2011 22:02

Europa League: Nacional come away from Iceland with a draw

FH Hafnafjordur 1-1 Nacional da Madeira

Edgar CostaThe first Portuguese team in competitive action this season will be pleased with their evening’s work. Nacional drew 1-1 against Icelandic outfit FH Hafnafjordur in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier.
 
Nacional had not played a single pre-season match before this game, while Hafnafjordur were eleven games into their league campaign. The Madeira team started confidently, but it was the hosts who created the early chances, forcing two sharp saves out of Brazilian goalkeeper Elisson.
 
Ivo Vieira’s men continued to press, and after Mateus had seen an effort cleared of the line Edgar Costa put the Portuguese side into the lead on the stroke of half time, finishing off a Candeias cross.

Hafnafjordur came back strongly in the second half. The tall stature of the Nordic side enabled them to cause problems at set pieces throughout, and it was from a corner that Bjarnason headed in the equaliser midway through the second half.
 
Nacional then enjoyed a stroke of luck as Bjornsson’s thunderous effort crashed off the woodwork as the Liga ZON Sagres side tired towards the end of the game.
 
But Nacional held on and will kick off the second leg at the Choupana next Thursday with their noses ahead in the tie.
 
Goals:
[0-1] Edgar Costa, 45
[1-1] Bjarnason, 67
 
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Comments (3)
I watched the game
3 Friday, 15 July 2011 18:36
Nacional were the more pressing team, although H..., did show some resilience towards the end which ended with a goal, thay also hit the cross bar.
But good result, I think Nacional takes it at home on the return leg.
Huge away goal
2 Friday, 15 July 2011 02:55
I didn't see it, but ultimately I'm happy with the result. Getting the away draw was imperative, and it being 1-1 might even be better.
The only concern that I may have is that the guy that scored for Hafnafjordur is a journalist by trade. In Iceland, I believe that all professional players actually have "real" jobs to make a living.

In any case, a good result, especially since Nacional hadn't played a match yet all season.
No pre-season
1 Thursday, 14 July 2011 23:04
I'm shocked they wouldn't have had some pre-season matches before this. At least they got the draw. I'm hoping they can pull it off at home so it can help towards our UEFA points.

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