August 29, 2012 - Czech Cup 2nd round - SK Prostějov 1 Sigma Olomouc 4

August 29, 2012
Czech Cup - 2nd Round
SK Prostějov 1 Sigma Olomouc 4
Attendance: 3860
Admission: 30kc

When I lived in Olomouc in 2000, and for a few months in 2002, I went to as many Sigma games as possible (in the Czech Republic, and in Europe).  However, ever since I moved to Prostějov my interest in Sigma has been very low.  Just to feel like old times, I went to the Czech Cup game on Wednesday and was in the Sigma end.  It was a good opportunity to cheer against the 3rd tier SK.

Since Olomouc is only around 15km down the road about 300 Sigma supporters showed up, which was many more than I had seen in the past.  Over the last 10 years I have seen Sigma play cup matches at Uničov, Hranice, Konice, Třínec, and Líšen.  For each game only a few dozen Sigma fans showed up, with the lowest being at Třínec (8).  On Wednesday, it was a different story, but overall the Sigma fans were quiet.  Not as quiet as the Prostějov fans though.

Almost 4,000 people were at the game, and almost no noise was generated from the home support.  There was a small group of younger fans who chanted and had drums, but that was it.  With that being said, it is not like SK gave the home fans anything to cheer about.  They were never really in the game, even when it was 1-1, we all knew Sigma would come back to win.  Always good to see Franchise FC lose.

Macedonian 1st division - August 19/12 - Turnovo 3 Shkendija 2

Macedonian 1st division - August 19th, 2012
Horizont Turnovo 3 Shkendija 2
Attendance - 250
Admission - 50 denars

Turnovo is located about 10km to the east of Strumica.  The village isn't that easy to reach if you don't have your own car, but a taxi from Strumica costs 150 denars one way (about 3 euros).  It is also possible to take a bus, but the schedule isn't always clear.  Another possibility is to take one of the local vans that stop near the centre in Strumica, but a taxi is by far the easiest option.

Only around 1,000 people live in the village which has to make Turnovo one of the smallest places in Europe to have a first division side.  The club was formed in 1950, but it wasn't until recently that they have enjoyed a good run of fortune.  A new sponsor, Horizont, took over in 2008, and it enabled Turnovo to get into the first division.

The stadium is basic, as is to be expected.  Perhaps there are three or four rows of seats which go along one side of the pitch.  Recently a cover was put over the seats.  The local crowd was quite up for the game against Shkendija (Tetovo) who have been one of the better sides in Macedonian football over the past few years.  They are also a ethnically Albanian side.

Shkendija showed their dominance over Turnovo early on and took a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute.  However, after the goal it was the hosts who found their legs and turned the game around. They eventually tied the game at 2-2, and in injury time they found a dramatic winner.

Below you can find a video of the last goal -

The problem with football in Prostějov

If you can read or understand Czech you should take the time to read one supporters opinion about football in Prostějov.  -http://prostejovskyfotbal.xf.cz/index.php?p=1.

The real SK Prostějov plays in the Okresní Přebor, and not in the MSFL.  The side that is the MSFL has no history.  They bought their way into the 4th tier last year, and now they are in the 3rd tier.  The team was formed about this time last year, and now they are already hosting Sigma Olomouc in the 2nd round of the Czech Cup.  It is amazing what money can buy.

The team that plays in the Okresní Přebor is a continuation of the club that dates back to 1904.  They are the ones who have history on their side.  If you want to go support a plastic side, go and watch the MSFL team.  Take a seat, and enjoy the game.  It is so quiet, it is like you are having a picnic in a forest.  Sadly, many people just do not care about the history of the game and SK Prostějov.  They just want their quick fix.

It is hurting football in this city.

2012/13 European Women's Champions League - MTK 2 PAOK 0

2012/13 European Women's Champions League (in Strumica, Macedonia)
MTK (Hungary) 2 PAOK (Greece) 0
Attendance: 80

The decisive game of the group was played on Thursday afternoon infront of a sparse but vocal crowd.  It seemed well over half of the people were from Greece.  MTK had a total of four fans at the game.  The rest of the crowd was made up of random little children and older men with pumpkin seeds.

MTK were too big and physical for the smaller Greek side, and came out deserved winners.

2012/13 Women's European Champions League Qualifiers - PAOK 8 Skonto Riga 0

2012/13 Women's European Champions League Qualifier (in Strumica, Macedonia)
PAOK (Greece) 8 Skonto Riga (Latvia) 0
Attendance: 30

Strumica is hosting a Women's European Champions League group stage for the second straight year.  This year PAOK (Greece), Skonto Riga (Latvia), Nase Taxi (Macedonia) and MTK (Hungary) are playing.  Since it is the first round of qualifiers, the level of play isn't the best.  PAOK had some decent players, but it was clear what was holding back both teams... the final ball.  With that being said, PAOK were easily the best of and deserved the victory.  Tomorrow, I will attend the crucial game between MTK and PAOK.  The winner will advance to the next phase of qualifiers.