Fulham's Europa effort 'all for nothing' says Brede Hangeland

Brede Hangeland was left feeling like Fulham's Europa League exertions were "all for nothing" after they crashed out of the competition last night.

The Cottagers started the 14th European match of their mammoth season knowing victory over Group K's bottom side would secure a place in the final 32.

But Fulham squandered victory three minutes into stoppage time as substitute Djiby Fall headed home, with the 2-2 draw resulting in Wisla Krakow finishing second instead.

"It's really hard to take," Hangeland told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"We didn't play a good game, but we had by far the better chances and I can't believe we drew.

"To go out like that with the last kick of the ball is very, very frustrating and hard to take.

"I've been thinking about the fact that we started on the 23rd of June and it feels like that was all for nothing at the moment, so it's very, very disappointing."

The Cottagers were the only side this season to have made it all the way from the first qualifying round to the group stage.

The tough schedule has seen Martin Jol's side struggle in the Premier League as they attempt to balance a busy schedule.

Asked whether Fulham's exit could have a positive impact on their league form, Hangeland retorted: "It's not a time for anything positive.

"But it's over and done with and we need to focus on the league and the FA Cup when it gets going."

The west Londoners' safe passage to the knockout stages seemed all-but secured at the interval after two goals in four first-half minutes.

Excellent work down the left flank by Kerim Frei resulted in a low cross to Bobby Zamora, whose lay-off was finished by Clint Dempsey.

Four minutes later Mousa Dembele wriggled free and found Frei with a through ball, which the 18-year-old nonchalantly popped through Stefan Wessels' legs.

However, Fulham capitulated in the second period as Hans Henrik Andreasen's low free-kick and Fall's last-gasp header saw them drop out of the competition.

Next up for the west Londoners is a home clash with Bolton on Saturday, before Manchester United come to SW6 on Wednesday.

"The games are coming thick and fast so we just need to keep going," Hangeland added.

"Sometimes when you have a big disappointment it's good to have a game coming up a few days later to put things right, so I'm sure we'll be up for it.

"I think we'd be up for that game regardless of what happened [against Odense], but it will be nice to get back into action as soon as possible after this massive disappointment."

Fulham players made a swift exit from Craven Cottage after yesterday's last-gasp disappointment.

Odense, by comparison, were visibly elated with the result, especially Fall after scoring with the final move of the match.

"I am sorry for them but it is football," Fall said.

"I know it is very hard for them but we were able to do something great and we are happy with the game we played.

"You just have to believe. When I came off the bench, all I thought about was the goal.

"We know this team is very good, it is strong but we always believed.

"I was thinking that before I came on and I am happy."

PA