Bjørdal rescues Viking after nightmare half: “It’s been some special days”

Henrik Bjørdal arrived at Viking only days ago. On Friday, the new signing headed in an equalizer during stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw at Sandefjord and keep his team within three points of league leaders Bodø/Glimt.

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It’s a goal that could prove to be worth far more than 25 million!

The match had turned against Viking shortly after halftime. Jesper Daland was sent off after a running duel with Sandefjord’s Oscar Kapskarmo, who went down as he moved through toward goal. Viking coach Morten Jensen called the decision soft, but acknowledged that Daland had given the referee the opportunity to show the card.

Sandefjord took advantage of the extra player in the 59th minute. New signing Tobias Børkeeiet headed in from a corner for his first goal in more than four years, putting the home side ahead.

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What an impact, and what a debut!

Bjørdal, introduced at halftime, then won a penalty for Viking. Zlatko Tripic struck it with full force, but the ball hit the crossbar. Tripic later came close to scoring from open play, only for Børkeeiet to clear his effort off the line.

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It’s fantastic. It’s been some special days. It’s great to start like this.

Bjørdal’s late header changed the mood completely. TV 2 commentator Petter Bø Tosterud said the goal could prove worth far more than 25 million, while expert Yaw Ihle Amankwah praised the substitute’s impact and debut. “It’s fantastic. It’s been some special days. It’s great to start like this,” Bjørdal told TV 2 after the match.

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It’s soft, in my view. They had been on top throughout the first half. But he gave the referee the opportunity to show the card, so we have to accept the consequences.