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Sturm Graz eliminated from the European Cup

Sturm Graz eliminated from the European Cup

After a 2-0 defeat at FC Midtjylland, the Grazers said goodbye to international business. In a group in which all teams scored eight points at the end, Storm but with the worst goal difference, Lazio failed to provide a helping hand with a 1-0 loss to Feyenoord Rotterdam. Feyenoord and Midtjylland managed to get promoted, Lazio switched to the Conference League.

In a crazy group constellation, things went back and forth on Thursday: War Storm still third at half-time, after the Feyenoord lead, they turned onto the losing road a good half hour before the end. Christian Ilzer’s team couldn’t manage the little football miracle themselves. The Danes’ victory with a brace from Anders Dreyer (15′, 72′) was well deserved.

The bitter 0:6 in Rotterdam ultimately made the difference. So the “Blackys” have to wait for their first international spring since 2000/01, when a team coached by Ivica Osim sensationally survived the group stage of the Champions League.

Graz had traveled to Herning with a good but dangerous starting position. Even a draw would have been enough to get ahead. At the same time, a defeat and home win by Feyenoord over Lazio threatened a historic elimination, which has now happened: Never before in UEFA competitions has a team finished last with eight points.

Apparently, Christian Ilzer hadn’t packed a pocket calculator. Otar Kiteishvili and Tomi Horvat should create the special moments for the double lead William Böving/Albian Ajeti. The recently ailing captain Stefan Hierländer just sat on the bench. Jon Gorenc-Stankovic was fit again to replace Ivan Ljubic who was the only player absent (suspended).

Storm After ten unbeaten games in a row, seemed ready to mark the end of a successful European Cup year in 2022. 600 Storm-Fans had started the journey north – and thus completely exhausted their ticket contingent in the modern, almost 11,500-seat Herning stadium.

They were disappointed, but initially found Storm into the game in a sizzling atmosphere. Kiteishvili, the last two match winners, missed the first top opportunity after a corner kick (10′). The unmarked Georgian did not bring his direct acceptance on goal. It was different on the other side, where Dreyer used a counter-chance to make it 1-0 with an inside bar (15′). Assist provider Gustav Isaksen had previously made room with a slight push against Dante – not enough for the Slovenian referee team around Matej Jug.

Midtjylland left Storm start from now on. The Grazer combined, accompanied by crisp duels, continued to appeal, but seemed jittery at crucial moments. Ajeti didn’t get the header right (22′), a long-range shot by Alexander Prass went too central (32′). In between, Kiteishvili picked up a yellow card for a swallow in the penalty area.

Ilzer reacted personally to the break. He came on for Physis with Emanuel Emegha instead of Böving, and David Schnegg also defended on the left instead of Dante, who had a yellow card. Storm In the disorganized game, the game did not initially find the intended precision in the passing game. With his arms crossed, Ilzer watched on the sidelines as the deeply defending opponent only focused on switching options.

Such led to the preliminary decision. Emiliano Martinez set the scene with a Gurkerl against Gorenc-Stankovic on the right corner of the penalty area Isaksen, who in turn found Dreyer in the middle on his second attempt (72′). Immediately before that, Ajeti had not adjusted his sights properly after a Schnegg pass (70′). A header from substitute Jakob Jantscher was the last to roll Storm-Chance past the long corner (76th). Midtjylland then consistently played the win home.

Source: Nachrichten

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