Europa League playoff draw - Dynamo Minsk/Zenit v Hibernian/Molde FK

[Nakedmanoncrack]

What's the procedure for Russian Visa? Not a lot of time to sort if required.

[NAE NOOKIE]

There's no guarantee we will get past Molde, 50/50 for that IMO. But that aside what a bloody burst balloon of a draw … I was so looking forward to roaring Hibs on on Thursday night with the incentive of a gettable to game in Poland, Portugal or Holland, instead we land the toughest team possible in a country it takes weeks to organise a trip to. What a pain in the bloody arse :dummytit:

[Jamesie]

What's the procedure for Russian Visa? Not a lot of time to sort if required.

http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/

[GORDONSMITH7]

Every one of those teams would steam roller us.

Happy Harry.

BIG G

[TheGreenMan]

So its Away to Minsk/Zenit on 23rd
and
Home fixture 30th?

[IGRIGI]

When we beat Celtc at Easter Road last season?

😂

[andybev1]

Dinamo Minsk or Zenit Moscow is the draw? Pity it is so far

[CapitalGreen]

Dinamo Minsk or Zenit Moscow is the draw? Pity it is so far

Zenit Moscow would be a great opponent. Lost their last 4 games conceding 20 goals to nil in the process.

https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/russia/fk-zenit-moskva/15149/

[PapillonVert]

Is there not a Russian visa opposite opposite Easter Road?

I believe so. In London, the office is a short walk from the Old Street roundabout (or it used to be).

[CropleyWasGod]

Dinamo Minsk or Zenit Moscow is the draw? Pity it is so far

St Petersburg, but hey. :greengrin

[FitbaFolkKen]

Just playing Zenit at ER would be awesome. Full house bouncing pushing the lads on, never say never.

Can't wait for Thursday, keep a clean sheet at home and I reckon we will progress.

[PHEONIXHIBS]

I suppose a positive way to look at this tie is.. although there is clearly a massive gap in spending between the likes of us and Zenit it dosent nesseseraly mean a huge gap on the pitch in a one off game. Aberdeen v Burnley as a prime example.
If we can get past Molde, a glamour tie against potentially Zenit at Easter Road is exciting.

[greenpaper55]

I remember we had a team that blew hot and cold but we managed to overturn a 3-0 first leg defeat to Napoli , a team with Dino Zoff in goal which went on to win the Italian league that season !

[Juniper Greens]

It's gonna be tough. Did they not hammer Celtc last season?

If we want to win it though, we have to play them at some point! :flag:

[Hibernian Verse]

It's gonna be tough. Did they not hammer Celtc last season?

If we want to win it though, we have to play them at some point! :flag:We hammered Celtic at Easter road ;)

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[Smartie]

We must get past Molde.

If we had even a sniff of getting through in the home tie vs Zenit then I reckon that would be the best atmosphere Easter Road has had in my time supported Hibs.

It would be bedlam.

[bingo70]

Don't get the negativity either. If we get past Molde it will be a very tough tie. It was always gonna get to this stage, we will be well into the season by then with maybe new signings etc.. Let's look forward to staying in as long as we can. We've got through one tricky one already.

I get the negativity but i don't agree with it.

We spend all year trying to qualify for Europe so we can test ourselves against the best and they don't come much better than this. Incredible opportunity to see a team packed with top quality internationals.

Realise it will make it tough to get through but we need to make sure we qualify again next season and hopefully then we get another big boy again.

Crap draw for the fans but it will be a terrific occasion and one i'm desperate for us to get through to.

[bingo70]

Couple of seasons ago we were playing home and away against the likes of Alloa and Dumbarton, now we're on the verge of a double header against Zenit St Petersburg, it's not the perfect draw but i think there is some perspective needed.

[SON OF PADDY]

No way we will get past Zenit. They are normally in Champions League group stages!


It's only eleven men !
They're probably more worried about us,
Where's your fighting spirit man.🤔🤨😉
GGTTH

[PapillonVert]

Anyone know how to make it possible to get a visa in time whilst going to Molde next week as they need the passport for visa application and visa applications take 3 days minimum (plus postage time to get the passport back.) Worrying this may be an impossible task.

Here is the website where you can get information.

http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/

You will need to file an on-line form and take it to the Russian Visa Office (there is one within a goal-kick of Easter Road Stadium). You always need to attend the visa office in person.

You can pay a higher fee (£45 and some pence) for a faster visa issue but it still will take 1 - 3 working days. The usual visa is a few pounds cheaper but can take several more days to be issued.

Beware of unofficial websites which charge you a fee for filling in the form which you can do yourself for nothing (except time and frustration/computer rage at having to collect and fill in all the information they want).

[JohnMcM]

I remember we had a team that blew hot and cold but we managed to overturn a 3-0 first leg defeat to Napoli , a team with Dino Zoff in goal which went on to win the Italian league that season !

It was 4-1 we overturned against Napoli. What a night!

[SON OF PADDY]

One of the most far right and racist supports in Europe - awful draw for that alone. Horrible club.


Surely we've no been drawn against the Hun's?

[allezsauzee]

it's a tough draw but we are going to have to beat better teams than Zenit to win the competition anyway.

[GORDONSMITH7]

You have just been watching an allegedly "live" draw that Hibs sponsors reported correctly over an hour ago.

Have UEFA borrowed the SFA's balls?

The tweet from Hibs about Marathon saying categorically who Hibs will get and was taken down but can be seen on the Bounce. More than welcome to see. Make your mind up

I said........

That is the most mental thing I have seen. A Russian sponsor of Hibs put this up before the draw is even made and it happens. Also happens to be possibly a Russian team....

F****** bizarre.

and

Before the draw is even made. Incredible. I know they are bookmakers and know odds, however they are not psychics. Mental.

BIG G

[lucky]

Only £200 for flight from London to St. Petersburg. The question is it worth the gamble?

[Springbank]

Uefa will be gutted

Hibs v Zenit would have made for a brilliant showpiece final

We will be right up for this (if we overcome Molde) and we'll just have to beat them at this early stage...

[HoboHarry]

Could it have been tougher ? Not great incentive to beat Molde.
Because our players don't want the opportunity to against one of the better teams in Europe? Seriously?

[NAE NOOKIE]

We must get past Molde.

If we had even a sniff of getting through in the home tie vs Zenit then I reckon that would be the best atmosphere Easter Road has had in my time supported Hibs.

It would be bedlam.

As an 'older' fan I don't really share your enthusiasm for Zenit. Pretty well a Johnny come lately in the history of European football and another club catapulted into the giddy heights of the European game by a huge cash injection from a massive outside investor ( Gazprom ) rather than through any organic means. In spite of being aware that I'm indulging in a bit of football snobbery here I just cant think of them as 'glamour' opposition. I would have taken Feynoord over them any old day of the week.

Thankfully the demographic of the Hibs support is a good bit younger than me, so I'm sure you will be right about what ER will be like on the night should we end up playing them with a chance of still going through the tie. :greengrin

[Hibs90]

So how did Marathonbet know then?

[IvanSproule]

Nice wee carrot to offer potential signings in the next couple of weeks, beat Molde and play a European giant. Lots of exposure


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[Borderhibbie76]

Couple of seasons ago we were playing home and away against the likes of Alloa and Dumbarton, now we're on the verge of a double header against Zenit St Petersburg, it's not the perfect draw but i think there is some perspective needed.Very true and just shows what a massive upward trajectory we've been on in the last 2 year's

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[Keyser Sauzee]

Not read the whole thread but do we know if we play home or away first in the next round if we manage to get past Molde? A lot of ifs in that question both literally and figuratively but just wondered 😂

[Vault Boy]

Molde will be a tough ask but one we more than capable of getting through.

Really excited about us getting Zenit, I've never seen Hibs play a big European side in a competitive match before - great challenge.

[AldoHFC]

Also, am I right in thinking that if Minsk win, as long as you fly into Minsk airport a visa is not needed for Belarus?

[GORDONSMITH7]

So how did Marathonbet know then?

Hibs had real reservations an hour before the draw and took it down.

BIG G

[GORDONSMITH7]

Only £200 for flight from London to St. Petersburg. The question is it worth the gamble?

Marathonbet will fix it Jim.

BIG G

[HoboHarry]

So how did Marathonbet know then?
Russia are three hours ahead no? They must have looked at the Russian internet and seen the draw......

[Billy Whizz]

Looked at last seasons league table, Zenit finished 5th, this season they are joint top, 2 wins out of 2
Minsk are currently 11th this season

[HibeeDaz6270]

Do you not need a Visa for Russia. Says it takes approx 20 days to get one?

Can anyone confirm?

[Smartie]

As an 'older' fan I don't really share your enthusiasm for Zenit. Pretty well a Johnny come lately in the history of European football and another club catapulted into the giddy heights of the European game by a huge cash injection from a massive outside investor ( Gazprom ) rather than through any organic means. In spite of being aware that I'm indulging in a bit of football snobbery here I just cant think of them as 'glamour' opposition. I would have taken Feynoord over them any old day of the week.

Thankfully the demographic of the Hibs support is a good bit younger than me, so I'm sure you will be right about what ER will be like on the night should we end up playing them with a chance of still going through the tie. :greengrin

It's not really so much about them as it's about us though.

We'd be talking about being 90 minutes from the group stages of the Europa league, taking on a side that we know are nowadays a bit of a heavyweight.

Scraping through with a lucky draw this ain't - if we were to get through it then we'd fully deserve to be in the group stages.

This is a draw that is rubbish for the away leg, but could be outstanding for the home leg.

[CropleyWasGod]

Russia are three hours ahead no? They must have looked at the Russian internet and seen the draw......

:tsk tsk:

[PHEONIXHIBS]

I suppose a positive way to look at this tie is.. although there is clearly a massive gap in spending between the likes of us and Zenit it dosent nesseseraly mean a huge gap on the pitch in a one off game. Aberdeen v Burnley as a prime example.
If we can get past Molde, a glamour tie against potentially Zenit at Easter Road is exciting.

[SRHibs]

Looked at last seasons league table, Zenit finished 5th, this season they are joint top, 2 wins out of 2
Minsk are currently 11th this season

Minsk are 2nd.

[GlasgowHibee]

Thank you Mr Putin, my visa from the World Cup still active until the end of the year.

These things always happen for a reason! :greengrin:thumbsup:

[Mr_F]

Anyone priced up a coach to Russia yet?

[lucky]

Looks like a pain the arse to get a visa (for Russia) sorted in such a short space of time. Anyone done this before?

[Radium]

Anyone priced up a coach to Russia yet?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/c0d9b8cedd4bb98ee22b8158a946aa52.png

Bit far.



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[Hibernian Verse]

Looks like a pain the arse to get a visa (for Russia) sorted in such a short space of time. Anyone done this before?Is anyone a forum member for Arsenal? Think they were the last club to travel

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[Lancs Harp]

Also, am I right in thinking that if Minsk win, as long as you fly into Minsk airport a visa is not needed for Belarus?

Correct no visa requirement for UK nationals for Belarus. Can stay for up to 30 days visa free.

[PapillonVert]

Well worth a visit, although the visa process (if you don't arrive from Helsinki) is a bit of a pain as the Russians want your full unexpurgated life story including details of your parents, every primary and secondary school you ever attended, uni/college, all educational and professional qualifications, details of every job and employer you have ever had. You need to have all the names, addresses, 'phone, fax numbers, website addresses etc. to hand before you start to fill in the on-line visa form.


How could I forget - you also need to provide details of everywhere you have visited in the last TEN years.

When I filled out our on-line visa forms, there was a time limit applied and so you really do need to have everything down to the last detail ready in front of you otherwise you will end up tearing your hair out and screaming in frustration as you have to go back and start everything anew.

Or else have the proverbial patience of a saint....

IIRC, we also had to provide details of where we were staying (as the hotel had technically to act as our 'sponsor' for the trip). They may have more relaxed rules for visiting fans coming to a UEFA game

Good luck.

[Billy Whizz]

Minsk are 2nd.

Looked at the wrong Minsk

[HoboHarry]

[QUOTE=CropleyWasGod;5498950]:tsk tsk:[/QU
:greengrin

[thegaffer12]

I think huge ties like this are what getting into Europe is all about.

A team in the same league as Hamilton Accies facing off against one of the world's most prestigious football clubs is not something that comes around often. Yes, the odds of getting through are very slim but it should be an occasion that hibees relish rather than dread. If we get through (and that's a huge if) it should be one of our biggest fixtures in the last decade.

[lord bunberry]

Is there not a Russian visa opposite opposite Easter Road?
There is. You have to go down into Albion Gardens and it’s on your right hand side.

[Mr_F]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/c0d9b8cedd4bb98ee22b8158a946aa52.png

Bit far.



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Only a bit longer than Molde :cool2:

[PapillonVert]

Do you not need a Visa for Russia. Says it takes approx 20 days to get one?

Can anyone confirm?


Yes, a visa is required for Russia. If you pay extra, you can have your visa application processed more quickly - 1 - 3 working days.

See:

http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/

Also, as previously posted, if you arrive via ferry from Helsinki, apparently you can get a 3-day visa on the boat.

Have a look back through the thread as there are several posts on visa requirements.

Of course, we may not have to go to Russia if Minsk beat Zenit. :wink: Would much simplify the visa issue if that happened.

[Joe6-2]

Pleasing :greengrin:greengrin

Why?

[neil7908]

I've always wanted to go to St Petersburgh

[Liberal Hibby]

Yes, a visa is required for Russia. If you pay extra, you can have your visa application processed more quickly - 1 - 3 working days.

See:

http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/

Also, as previously posted, if you arrive via ferry from Helsinki, apparently you can get a 3-day visa on the boat.

Have a look back through the thread as there are several posts on visa requirements.

Of course, we may not have to go to Russia if Minsk beat Zenit. :wink: Would much simplify the visa issue if that happened.

Just had a quick look and it appears that there is a ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg but it arrives too late on the 23rd to get to the game. The previous one is on the Monday which means your 72 hours runs out before the Friday when the ferry goes back to Helsinki. Unless there is another ferry company with better timings I think the visa route is how people will have to go about it. There are frequent trains and buses from Helsinki - but they need a visa. Direct flights EDI to Helsinki at reasonable prices too.

[Austinho]

https://i.imgur.com/gsDWEc0.jpg

A hour before the draw. Dodgy as hell!

[neil7908]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/c0d9b8cedd4bb98ee22b8158a946aa52.png

Bit far.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When's the away leg? If you start walking now might make it 😊

[hibby rae]

Hibs on tour https://youtu.be/VMWMq4AEyjU

[Sir David Gray]

Yeah, it is stunning. Also visited the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe Sela and the Peterhof Palace as well as the Hermitage Museum (you could spend month there and you still would have barely scratched the surface) as well as several other museums and churches, including the Yusupov Palace where Rasputin was drugged and assassinated (or partially assassinated at least).

One of the highlights was the Mariinsky Ballet which was amazing. Even though we know absolutely nothing about ballet or dance, you just couldn't help appreciating the technique and the professionalism involved. It was mesmerising.

Well worth a visit, although the visa process (if you don't arrive from Helsinki) is a bit of a pain as the Russians want your full unexpurgated life story including details of your parents, every primary and secondary school you ever attended, uni/college, all educational and professional qualifications, details of every job and employer you have ever had. You need to have all the names, addresses, 'phone, fax numbers, website addresses etc. to hand before you start to fill in the on-line visa form.


How could I forget - you also need to provide details of everywhere you have visited in the last TEN years.

When I filled out our on-line visa forms, there was a time limit applied and so you really do need to have everything down to the last detail ready in front of you otherwise you will end up tearing your hair out and screaming in frustration as you have to go back and start everything anew.

Or else have the proverbial patience of a saint....

IIRC, we also had to provide details of where we were staying (as the hotel had technically to act as our 'sponsor' for the trip). They may have more relaxed rules for visiting fans coming to a UEFA game

Good luck.

**** that.

[Booked4Being-Ugly]

https://i.imgur.com/gsDWEc0.jpg

A hour before the draw. Dodgy as hell!My son called me 20 mins before the ‘live draw’ and told me who we’d drawn! WTF

[Joe6-2]

It's only eleven men !
They're probably more worried about us,
Where's your fighting spirit man.🤔🤨😉
GGTTH

👍👏

[PapillonVert]

Just had a quick look and it appears that there is a ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg but it arrives too late on the 23rd to get to the game. The previous one is on the Monday which means your 72 hours runs out before the Friday when the ferry goes back to Helsinki. Unless there is another ferry company with better timings I think the visa route is how people will have to go about it. There are frequent trains and buses from Helsinki - but they need a visa. Direct flights EDI to Helsinki at reasonable prices too.

Good bit of research, LiberalHibby.

Bear in mind, however, that there are several private ferry companies operating out of Helsinki.

When we went from Helsinki - Tallinn last year, we compared several timetables.

As you say, you can also go by train from Helsinki to the Finlandia Station in St. Petersburg (channel your inner Lenin) but I don't know what the visa requirements are for that.

[cabbageandribs1875]

sellick a great chance of getting through to the group stages if they overcome AEK, Malmo or Mol vidi(whae)

[Monts]

In the unlikely event that we should reach the group stages, would we be seeded?

[CropleyWasGod]

In the unlikely event that we should reach the group stages, would we be seeded?

I think there's a greater chance of us getting drug-tested. :greengrin

[Liberal Hibby]

Good bit of research, LiberalHibby.

Bear in mind, however, that there are several private ferry companies operating out of Helsinki.

When we went from Helsinki - Tallinn last year, we compared several timetables.

You can also go by train from Helsinki to the Finlandia Station in St. Petersburg (channel your inner Lenin) but I don't know what the visa requirements are for that.

Yup been to the Finland station - but you'll need a visa to get on a train. (Unless your passport is Finnish I believe). There's a joke about Hearts in there somewhere too...

[Hibernian32]

Looking through the team and it’s not exactly the zenit of years gone by with hulk ect, yes they are huge favourites but we keep the score 2-0 3-1 then it makes the return at ER that more exciting. Neil has beat the odds with Barca before. This team has made us dream since the whistle went on 21/05/16 since then this club will never settle and admire zenit we will go out and be competitive, we must implement our style on them and not sit back. Believe believe believe.

[Hermit Crab]

Yup been to the Finland station - but you'll need a visa to get on a train. (Unless your passport is Finnish I believe). There's a joke about Hearts in there somewhere too...




You got a heart of glass or a heart of stone
Just you wait till I get you home
We've got no future
We've got no past
Here today built to last
In every city and every nation
From Lake Geneva to the Finland station
(How far have you been)

:greengrin

[Hermit Crab]

In the unlikely event that we should reach the group stages, would we be seeded?


If we beat Molde and Zenit then I think we should just be awarded the dam trophy! :greengrin

[makaveli1875]

Looking through the team and it’s not exactly the zenit of years gone by with hulk ect, yes they are huge favourites but we keep the score 2-0 3-1 then it makes the return at ER that more exciting. Neil has beat the odds with Barca before. This team has made us dream since the whistle went on 21/05/16 since then this club will never settle and admire zenit we will go out and be competitive, we must implement our style on them and not sit back. Believe believe believe.

looking through the team i see branislav Ivanovic , Robert Mak and Russia's sop scorer at the WC Dzyuba sticking out right away . Lets not kid ourselves they are 1 of the best teams in the tournament and pretty much a certainty for at least the quarter finals

[Since90+2]

Looking through the team and it’s not exactly the zenit of years gone by with hulk ect, yes they are huge favourites but we keep the score 2-0 3-1 then it makes the return at ER that more exciting. Neil has beat the odds with Barca before. This team has made us dream since the whistle went on 21/05/16 since then this club will never settle and admire zenit we will go out and be competitive, we must implement our style on them and not sit back. Believe believe believe.

With the possible exception of Seville Zenit are probably the best team in the tournament at this stage and even then it would be close over 2 legs.

Unfortunately I actually think the first leg being away is a disadvantage as we are likely to be hammered over there making the return leg a formality.

[PapillonVert]

**** that.

That's what I said at the time! :greengrin

I was so tempted just to give up because you only ever see the current page of the application form and so only when that had been completed could you move onto the next page - only to find they were after some other information which you didn't have to hand.

And all the while the clock was counting down...…..

But, we are Hibbies.

PERSEVERE

[adhibs]

Not the tie I hoped for but would be some experience none the less. Would be the most high profile club to visit in my lifetime. Hopefully we can get passed Molde, improve our coefficient for next season, and live in hope of a major upset against zenith.

We might even get lucky and Minsk will provide that upset beforehand.

[Keith_M]

On the bright side, Molde will put us out next week, so we won't have to worry about the likes of Zenit or Minsk



:duck:

[Hermit Crab]

On the bright side, Molde will put us out next week, so we won't have to worry about the likes of Zenit or Minsk



:duck:


That will suit my bank balance.:greengrin

[Leitherhibs]

What about the eventuality of us getting past Molde, then losing to Zenit over the two legs after a heroic performance, then later Zenit getting found to have fielded an ineligible player or being reprimanded for use of pyrotechnics, UEFA discipline Zenit, then a la Celtic we go through on a technicality. Chances? I'd take it.

[supermcginn]

Looking through the team and it’s not exactly the zenit of years gone by with hulk ect, yes they are huge favourites but we keep the score 2-0 3-1 then it makes the return at ER that more exciting. Neil has beat the odds with Barca before. This team has made us dream since the whistle went on 21/05/16 since then this club will never settle and admire zenit we will go out and be competitive, we must implement our style on them and not sit back. Believe believe believe.
Their argentinian players cost 87 million alone before you even look at the russian players they had at the world cup such as dzyuba, they are a top team.

[SteveHFC]

Hibs fans in Europe this season then getting drawn with Zenit.

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e907d6c55b8b8c6bf4fd404b24c91357fe7feeb402ae183bdf f067e394941414.gif

[SirDavidsNapper]

After being thoroughly cheesed off at the draw i'm now starting to feel excited by it. If we get past Molde what an experience it will be for everyone involved. Top class European team with a magnificent stadium that we've just seen during the World Cup. Easter Road would be bouncing too. We'd have a slim to zero chance of going through but imagine we did? Another chance to become legends. Lets beat Molde and bring it on!

[Northernhibee]

Hibs fans in Europe this season then getting drawn with Zenit.

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e907d6c55b8b8c6bf4fd404b24c91357fe7feeb402ae183bdf f067e394941414.gif


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H25ve3qts4

Hibs Europa League this season as a cat.

[Lancs Harp]

After being thoroughly cheesed off at the draw i'm now starting to feel excited by it. If we get past Molde what an experience it will be for everyone involved. Top class European team with a magnificent stadium that we've just seen during the World Cup. Easter Road would be bouncing too. We'd have a slim to zero chance of going through but imagine we did? Another chance to become legends. Lets beat Molde and bring it on!


Thats the spirit :thumbsup:

Anyway lets focus on the Molde game, should be quite a battle over the two legs I think.

[Fife-Hibee]

Hibs fans in Europe this season then getting drawn with Zenit.

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e907d6c55b8b8c6bf4fd404b24c91357fe7feeb402ae183bdf f067e394941414.gif

That's ok. It just means we need to recover and focus on the season ahead...

https://balladedespendus.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/homer-falls-off-the-gourge-again.gif?w=333

[Hermit Crab]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/6a85b487cbefb2a06bd81ebcb4d90ab7.jpg

[Ozyhibby]

How could I forget - you also need to provide details of everywhere you have visited in the last TEN years.

When I filled out our on-line visa forms, there was a time limit applied and so you really do need to have everything down to the last detail ready in front of you otherwise you will end up tearing your hair out and screaming in frustration as you have to go back and start everything anew.

Or else have the proverbial patience of a saint....

IIRC, we also had to provide details of where we were staying (as the hotel had technically to act as our 'sponsor' for the trip). They may have more relaxed rules for visiting fans coming to a UEFA game

Good luck.

One of the reasons Russia has a similar GDP to the Netherlands despite having ten times the population.


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[Northernhibee]

That's ok. It just means we need to recover and focus on the season ahead...

https://balladedespendus.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/homer-falls-off-the-gourge-again.gif?w=333

Craig Levein trying to pick a team that can win against Cove

https://media.giphy.com/media/NQL7Wuo2JSQSY/giphy.gif

[euro Hibby]

Usually a travel agency will help you avoid hassle if you get the handled by them.. They put down a registered hotel and you then book where you want to go.

I do this often leaving from italy but maybe Uk relations are a little strained with Russia so they might ask more questions.

[Fife-Hibee]

Craig Levein trying to pick a team that can win against Cove

https://media.giphy.com/media/NQL7Wuo2JSQSY/giphy.gif

:greengrin

[GreenCastle]

After being thoroughly cheesed off at the draw i'm now starting to feel excited by it. If we get past Molde what an experience it will be for everyone involved. Top class European team with a magnificent stadium that we've just seen during the World Cup. Easter Road would be bouncing too. We'd have a slim to zero chance of going through but imagine we did? Another chance to become legends. Lets beat Molde and bring it on!

Yup :greengrin:agree:

Molde will be very tricky - even the Greeks showed how hard away games can be when we came back with a 1v1.

Either way the chance to see some good players on Thursday then possibly in another tie is more exciting than what we get in the Scottish league.

[ToffeeCabbage]

Zenit have Branislav Ivanovic and Yuri Zhirkov pulling caravans in their defence. Boyle will decimate them with an Ivan Sproulesque hat trick to send the Hibees through!!

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[PapillonVert]

One of the reasons Russia has a similar GDP to the Netherlands despite having ten times the population.


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I wondered if it was a hangover from Soviet days and their state security services (ex-KGB in other words)obsession/paranoia with wanting to know everything about everybody. Also, Putin is ex-KGB and so brings that outlook and mentality to his presidency.

Complete lack of trust in just about everyone, especially foreigners, and the suspicion that everyone is subversive and out to do harm to the state and so have to be monitored all the time.

[Liberal Hibby]

Just had a quick look and it appears that there is a ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg but it arrives too late on the 23rd to get to the game. The previous one is on the Monday which means your 72 hours runs out before the Friday when the ferry goes back to Helsinki. Unless there is another ferry company with better timings I think the visa route is how people will have to go about it. There are frequent trains and buses from Helsinki - but they need a visa. Direct flights EDI to Helsinki at reasonable prices too.

Just had it confirmed by my contact in the Baltics that there is only one ferry company - the St Peter's Line - and their timings don't allow a Helsinki -St Petersburg trip that week. So anyone going will need a visa. But there's plenty of potentially cheapish travel options via Helsinki/Tallin/Vilnius etc if you can get visas sorted out.

Now to beat Molde!

[Springbank]

I don't mind being in the minority - if we get past Molde I will fancy our chances with this manager and this team (and this team spirit).

Would I be worried if they had Argentina's forward line playing for them? Yes.
Am I worried that they have Argentina's leaky midfield/defence playing for them? No.

This could rival 4-4 and 3-2 vs Barca in the bonkers European goalfest stakes. Let's hope we beat Molde & set up a true cracker.:flag::flag::flag::flag:

[badabing67]

Sorry missed a lot of this thread but if we get past Molde will we be away form home in the first leg against Zenit

[Jamesie]

I will be very interested to see how many we take to St Petersburg, if we get there - probably the most logistically difficult tie we've ever had in Europe.

[Lemonade]

This is what it's all about.
The athmosphere at ER will be electric.

[Springbank]

:thumbsup:
This is what it's all about.
The athmosphere at ER will be electric.

[poulton hibs]

I will be very interested to see how many we take to St Petersburg, if we get there - probably the most logistically difficult tie we've ever had in Europe.
You can fly direct from London on Aeroflot Weds - Fri for £201.

[Jamesie]

:thumbsup:

http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/9052 - this is interesting:

"Details for the Play-Off Round dates will be confirmed in due course."

I think we're all jumping to the conclusion that the play off dates will be Thursday 23 August and Thursday 30 August, with away first and home second - might that not be the case?

[SJNB Hibby]

I don't mind being in the minority - if we get past Molde I will fancy our chances with this manager and this team (and this team spirit).

Would I be worried if they had Argentina's forward line playing for them? Yes.
Am I worried that they have Argentina's leaky midfield/defence playing for them? No.

This could rival 4-4 and 3-2 vs Barca in the bonkers European goalfest stakes. Let's hope we beat Molde & set up a true cracker.:flag::flag::flag::flag:
I'm with you
Better to have the faeroes at the beginning and a tough tie at the end than the other way round

[poulton hibs]

You can fly direct from London on Aeroflot Weds - Fri for £201.
And if you were at the world cup you can use your Fan ID instead of getting a visa (thanks Mr Putin).

[Newcastlehibby]

Sorry missed a lot of this thread but if we get past Molde will we be away form home in the first leg against Zenit

Everyone is getting a bit ahead of themselves. Zenit have to beat Dinamo Minsk first before they can progress.

[ancient hibee]

http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/9052 - this is interesting:

"Details for the Play-Off Round dates will be confirmed in due course."

I think we're all jumping to the conclusion that the play off dates will be Thursday 23 August and Thursday 30 August, with away first and home second - might that not be the case?
Presumably they won’t confirm the dates until they know we have qualified.

[Since90+2]

I don't mind being in the minority - if we get past Molde I will fancy our chances with this manager and this team (and this team spirit).

Would I be worried if they had Argentina's forward line playing for them? Yes.
Am I worried that they have Argentina's leaky midfield/defence playing for them? No.

This could rival 4-4 and 3-2 vs Barca in the bonkers European goalfest stakes. Let's hope we beat Molde & set up a true cracker.:flag::flag::flag::flag:

Given the way football is these days if we were to beat Zenit over two legs it would arguably be the greatest achievement in the clubs history.

[poulton hibs]

http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/9052 - this is interesting:

"Details for the Play-Off Round dates will be confirmed in due course."

I think we're all jumping to the conclusion that the play off dates will be Thursday 23 August and Thursday 30 August, with away first and home second - might that not be the case?

At the end of the draw UEFA said all dates would be confirmed by tomorrow night. I dont think Zenit have any close by matches the same night so should be the 23rd.

[Sir David Gray]

Given the way football is these days if we were to beat Zenit over two legs it would arguably be the greatest achievement in the clubs history.

I would say it would have to be up there.

[cleanyman]

You can fly from Glasgow(change at London) to St.Petersburg for as little as £280 return at the moment.

Not that I'm tempting fate....

[Hermit Crab]

At the end of the draw UEFA said all dates would be confirmed by tomorrow night. I dont think Zenit have any close by matches the same night so should be the 23rd.


But are there any other matches on in the area that night?

[Hermit Crab]

You can fly from Glasgow(change at London) to St.Petersburg for as little as £280 return at the moment.

Not that I'm tempting fate....


Anyone that books flights to Russia at the stage is either arrogant as ****, completely mad or has more money than sense.

[Liberal Hibby]

And if you were at the world cup you can use your Fan ID instead of getting a visa (thanks Mr Putin).

I'm not sure that's correct - on the visit St Petersburg website it said Fan ID was valid for up to ten days before and after the world cup. If you have it I'd check.

[poulton hibs]

I'm not sure that's correct - on the visit St Petersburg website it said Fan ID was valid for up to ten days before and after the world cup. If you have it I'd check.
Putin changed the rules and the new end date is the end of the year. Really useful. I was fortunate to attend some WC games so have a fan ID. Saves going to the embassy to collect.
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/russia-visa-free-travel-2018-putin-world-cup-fan-id-a8449181.html

[Liberal Hibby]

Putin changed the rules and the new end date is the end of the year. Really useful. I was fortunate to attend some WC games so have a fan ID. Saves going to the embassy to collect.
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/russia-visa-free-travel-2018-putin-world-cup-fan-id-a8449181.html

Indeed - enjoy!

[IvanSproule]

If we have McGinn we'd beat them at ER. Away in Russia is another story.


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[CathroMustStay]

Need to fully focus on Molde but if we get through.... BRING ON THE ZENIT!

[LReilly95]

Having a player like Mallan who is a massive threat from set piece can make beating teams like Zenit that little bit more realistic. However, McGin might leave and we haven't beaten Molde yet so there's a lot of ins and outs.

[Unseen work]

What a draw.

In terms of us progressing it will be next to impossible, but for players and potential players to have the chance to play Zenit in a Europa League play off is massive and would be a good name for them to get their name out there a bit more.

[DetroitHibs]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We scraped by an average Greek team with 10 men and still have a very hard game against Molde.

[HoboHarry]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We scraped by an average Greek team with 10 men and still have a very hard game against Molde.
Miseryguts

[NOLA]

Let’s focus on molde first and foremost [emoji106]


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[Famous Fiver]

What odds are we to reach the group stages?

Might be worth a cheeky wee punt.

[houstonhibbee]

how many teams go into the group stages? 16?

[Famous Fiver]

32 methinks.

[Famous Fiver]

Or it might be 64. I'll have to look it up.

[Famous Fiver]

It's actually 48!!

Then the top two from each of the 12 groups are joined by 8 third placed teams from Champions League groups to make a last 32, then it's straight knock out over two legs until the final.

[SJNB Hibby]

Or it might be 64. I'll have to look it up.

Has been 48 recently
24 qualify for playoffs plus 8 x ecl 3rd place teams

[houstonhibbee]

Or it might be 64. I'll have to look it up.

In effect 64 -50% qualify for knock out stages.........presumably 12 groups of 4 with 2 going through

"The 2018–19 UEFA Europa League group stage is scheduled to begin on 20 September and end on 13 December 2018. A total of 48 teams compete in the group stage to decide 24 of the 32 places in the knockout phase of the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League".