ECL-PO-L1: Heart of Midlothian - PAOK (24.7.23, 21:45 EEST)

[Blackhawk]

    VS  

MATCHUP:              Heart of Midlothian FC - PAOK Thessaloniki
COMPETITION:     Europa Conference League – Playoff Round – Leg 1
DATE:                     24-August-1023
TIME:                     21:45 EEST  (18:45 UTC, 13:45 CDT, 04:45 AEST next day)
CITY/STADIUM:   Edinburgh – Tynecastle Park (19,852)
REFEREES:             Andris Treimanis - Haralds Gudermanis, Aleksejs Spasennikovs (Latvia)
TELEVISION:         QQ Sports (China)

PAOK’s History against teams from Scotland in European Competitions

1998-1999:  PAOK – Glasgow Rangers   0:0 - Att: 30,388 – UEFA Cup (QR1, Leg 2)
1998-1999:  Glasgow Rangers – PAOK   2:0 - Att: 35,000 – UEFA Cup (QR4, Leg 1)

GAMES:  2    WINS:  0    TIES:  1    LOSSES:  1

[Athens4]

The Missus booked us a surprise anniversary trip to Spain so I am unable to make the trip to Scotland and link up with Scotsman. In fact our flight is at the same time so I will miss the game entirely. I just hope we can carry on our good form and get a result.

[pash]

The tea sippers are holding up the visa for Ozdoyev. Wouldn't be surprised if he is not allowed to enter the country for the first leg. Thumb on the scale, and all.

[Dutch Eagle]

Squad:

Ζίβκοβιτς, Κοτάρσκι, Ταλιχμανίδη, Βιεϊρίνια, Λύρατζη, Σάστρε, Κεντζιόρα, Εκόνγκ, Κουλιεράκη, Μιχαηλίδη, Νάσμπεργκ, Ράφα Σοάρες, Τσιγγάρα, Σβαμπ, Οζντόεφ, Γιαξή, Μουργκ, Τάισον, Κωνσταντέλια, Νάρεϊ, Α. Ζίβκοβιτς, Βρακά, Μπράντον, Τζίμα.

[Blackhawk]

I am 100% sure that Ozdoev will not be allowed to enter Scotland, and we can't rely on the anti-Russian Greek government to help out.

[italosPAOK4]

parte kalo apotelesma na mpoume omilous

[paokarag4]

If Ozdoyev isn't allowed into the country (crazy typing that), then we become even thinner than we currently are in midfield.

Clearly Schwab will start and Tsiggaras will have to play through gritted teeth. Probably means Giaxis will get a run off the bench too. 

[Bananas]

Jesus we just *love* to make things difficult for ourselves.  I thought that part of "cleaning up" the back office and having technical directors, scouts etc. was to stop this amateur scrambling for transfers and instead actually plan (I know that sounds funny) and assemble the squad carefully.  It's frustrating.

[PAOKSYD]

Pae paok has hardly any employees... its pretty obvious 

Ivan has no $$$

[DunfermlineAthleticPAOK]

Well folks, a lot of our brothers from Greece (and elsewhere across Europe) can’t make it for obvious reasons, and the planned meet up with my group from when I go over won’t be happening as hoped, sadly. I’m obviously gutted @Athens4 won’t be there but hopefully plenty more away days to come this season! 
I thought we would have sold out 1300 with in minuets but the very high price of travelling and staying in Edinburgh at this time of year (plus Brexit) has probably taken its toll. 
However, if anyone of you are heading over then give me a shout. 

I’m actually starting to get nervous about tomorrow, where as a week  ago I was 100% confident of giving them an absolute doing. 
It’s probably just pre match nerves and the fact it’s so close to home but still. 

[DunfermlineAthleticPAOK]

7 hours ago, paokarag4 said:

If Ozdoyev isn't allowed into the country (crazy typing that), then we become even thinner than we currently are in midfield.

Is this down to us making a mistake or the UK gov taking so long to process the visa, or did they just reject it outright? 

can’t actually believe this has happened  

[pash]

I don't think it's the first player they've refused to let in recently.

Pretty dumb move hiring a pariah in the middle of a war either way.

[Blackhawk]

They rejected it outright. It's all part of the anti-Russian hysteria. Since UEFA has not banned Russian players from its competitions, it should make sure that those players are able to play. If for political reasons that's not possible, than Hearts should play their home game in a neutral venue, where that player can travel.   

[pash]

Is there precedence for that? I doubt it. Recall the Iranian footballer who got banned from his NT after travelling to Israel for a game.

[Athens4]

Παίξτε μπάλα ρε κοπρόσκυλα και κάντε το πρώτο βήμα για τους ομίλους! Θέλουμε να πάμε εκδρομές!!!

[Blackhawk]

[Soprano76]

Lol penalty already? 

[Dutch Eagle]

Damn. 1-0 for them.

[Blackhawk]

1:0

No way that was a penalty. 

[Blackhawk]

And a penalty for us now.

[Dutch Eagle]

Penalty for us!

[Dutch Eagle]

Goalllllllll Schwab netting his fifth European goal for PAOK. I will put him on the list on the Wikipedia page concerning our European records/stats.

[Blackhawk]

Schwab 1:1

[Blackhawk]

Unbelievable saves by Kotarski.

[Blackhawk]

If we can improve our play in 2nd half we will win today. Their defense is not that good.