HNK Rijeka v Hibs, Thurs 12 Aug, KO 5.30pm

0762 · (This post was last modified: 12-08-2021, 22:27 by 0762.)

Hibs currently top of the Scot Prem v Rijeka who are also top of their national league. We have a chance of progressing to the next round v the next tough opponent (based on Scot footie standards). However, this Croatian team looks tough enough after observing what they had to offer in the 1st leg v a Hibs team that has started the season in fine form. I think the early exchanges of this match will define where Hibs end up in this Euro tourney. I'm sure the manager will try to "keep it tight" as much as poss and counter them with fast forages up front. I doubt he'll play "two up top" after observing their fast break outs in parts of the game at ER Stadium. I think this will be a "nail biter" and hopefully Hibs will come out of it by winning the tie.

GGTTH

0762 · (This post was last modified: 12-08-2021, 22:26 by 0762.)

FT 4-1 and that is another Euro campaign over for Hibs as expected! Another failure added to the long list of failed Scot footie teams that have never progressed beyond the Euro quali stages. This defeat definitely revolved around Paul Hanlon's head injury v Ross Co that forced him out of this crucial ECL match to be replaced by Darren Mac who had a nightmare game and red-carded in the 2nd half to give Hibs a "mountain to climb" after the guys fought back to attain a 1-1 score line, compliments of another well-taken Magennis "strike" albeit fortuitous. Nisbet replaced Doidgy at the start, the striker injured, and what disappointed me greatly was the fact Hibs had no "game changers" on the subs' bench when the game turned - too easy for Rijeka by the end! I notice Saint Johnstone also beaten 2-4 by Galatasaray tonight and certain players apparently "leggy" in the last quarter of this game. This is where we are when it comes to the demands of Euro footie and facing a higher standard of footie opponent at this early stage of the season.

hibeejim21 · 12-08-2021, 22:35

The sending off killed the game - who do they think we are - Malmo ? Laugh

We were enjoying a good spell when it happened too.

Ultimately though Rijeka just had 2 or 3 players who were a level above us on the night, and our lack of depth in attacking and CB roles was exposed again. We've been going on about this since last season.

0762 · 13-08-2021, 00:48

The opponent in the next round is PAOK and IMO nae chance for Hibs or this Croatian side to progress anyway. IMO the biggest loss is the extra revenue Hibs could've made in a final play-off match.

**HerefordBull** · (This post was last modified: 13-08-2021, 10:37 by HerefordBull.)

Agree Jim, the lack of another experienced centreback in the squad is being shown up big time now. Daz should be used for the odd cameo fill in towards the end of games now. ( apart from anything else its unfair on him and he will be hurting more than anyone this morning)

Its a little short sighted of the recruitment team and Ross to think we can manage a busy season with what we have. Injuries and suspensions are bound to kick in at sometime ( and did last night with Hanlon) and we have no experienced cover whatsoever. Doh

They got away with it last season but you need the team to be built up through the spine. Midfield now is over subscribed but at the back and up front we are so weak. As you said, we were highlighting this all last season..........but the luck went with us......

Oh and your right 0762, with PAOK in the next round we wouldn't have had a prayer with this squad so is better now to concentrate on the home front. Be interesting to see what team turns up to play Killie on Sunday???? Huh

0762 · 13-08-2021, 13:09

I said in the pre-season period I'd like to see a Hibs move for one of the St Johnstone CBs, preferably Jason Kerr who is a Hibee with a Hibs family background. Or go for one of the Livy CBs from last season. The weakness was glaring TBF!!
Also re injuries, rumours abound that Doidgy has ruptured his Achilles tendon - all I can say is YUKKKKK if this is true!!!

BouncingHibees · (This post was last modified: 13-08-2021, 13:16 by BouncingHibees.)

Reinforcements needed, defence is threadbare especially if we suffer a injury to either Hanlon or Porteous or both, McGregor isny the asnwer although im sure he could step in for a couple games here and there if required. Doidge now out for a fair while with a torn Achilles apparently so that leaves us pretty much with Nisbet up front on his own, board need to step up now as this team doesn't have enough depth to get us through a whole season. Not to fussed about Europe to be fair as I think it's a waste of time for a club like Hibs.

**HerefordBull** · (This post was last modified: 13-08-2021, 14:07 by HerefordBull.)

Tore my achilles almost a year ago to the day. Not pleasant and although better, still not 100%

Being a sportsman, Doidge will have an operation to repair the tear ( I had to wear a boot and wait for it to heal being an old fart!) and then rehab to get him back as soon as possible. Danger is coming back too early and rupturing it again.
He needs to have a chat with John Souttar at Hearts, to discuss rehab etc as I think his has gone twice. So far this season he seems to be back to his best so lets hope Doidge follows suit. Thumb up

hibeejim21 · 13-08-2021, 14:31

Just noticed that Malmo striker that ripped it up against sevco originally came from Rijeka, they have brought through a lot of good players in recent years. I really wouldn't feel too bad about that defeat.

Even if Doidge wasn't out we still needed another striker urgently.

**HerefordBull** · 13-08-2021, 14:49

Aye Jim, great scoring record wherever he has played.