matchreport - 24-Apr-10 - german as v. gaulois
Team German AS
Author GAS Management
line up
 GOAL
Zafer Evren

DEFENSE
Hermann Bergmann
Hendrik "Finch" Bohne
Marcus Heerlein
Denis Mecklenburg

MIDFIELD
Thomas Berner
Matthias Bertl
Philipp Rode
Sebastian Zilm

STRIKERS
Volker Giebitz
Sascha Maric

SUBS
Markus Dolenga
Franz Lanthaler
Florian Schmidt
MAGIC MARIC SEALS GERMAN VICTORY IN HIS FAREWELL MATCH
 The farewell match it was for our goalgetter Sascha and midfield engine Philipp, The marching orders for the team were hence simple and crystal clear: don't waste any thoughts on last week's 4-1 cup victory against Gaulois but give it your all to ensure the two lads leave on a victorious note.

The match started slowly in the blistering heat at the Japanese Association. The Germans controlled the game, putting some nice passes together, without really threatening the French goal though. After 11 minutes, however, a nice throughball from Sebastian found Sascha who flicked it on to Volker who moved past a defender to find the left bottom corner of the goal, 1-0.

Strangely enough, the goal didn't give the Whites any confidence at all. The midfield was suddenly surrendered, allowing Gaulois to build up their game and increase pressure on our defense. An occasional lack of concentration amongst our back four unnecessarily amplified the looming danger and, indeed, after 15 minutes a French striker found himself one on one with Zafar but, fortunately for the Germans, didn't manage to get around him. A few minutes later it should have been 1-1 when Les Bleus sqandered another gilt-edged opportunity. This being football, it was the Germans who scored the next almost immediately after having picked up their "get out of jail card". Marcus played a lovely ball into the run of Sascha who had no problems to convert into the bottom right corner. 2-0.

Still, the Germans looked anything but solid in defense, allowing their opponents simply too much space. Consequently, Gaulois eventually scored their first with three minutes to go. 2-1 it was at halftime and Gaulois were back in it.

And they were with a bang! Barely 60 seconds were played after the break and the French had equalized, once again capitalizing on passive defending by the Germans. Perhaps Gaulois were themselves somewhat surprised with their quick comeback solvo as there was,  rather inexplicably, no follow-through from their end. Instead the Blues let themselves fall back, thereby allowing the GAS side to pick themselves up. On a now rain soaked pitch the match now turned into a true battle, not beautiful to watch, but surely exciting. After 52 minutes the Germans put a few good passes together and eventually Volker was found on the left, only to be brought down while storming in the box.
He took the resulting penalty himself and converted coolly. 3-2 it was. Advantage Germany.

Die Mannschaft was now much more focused, winning posession in midfield and holding the ball. The patient buildup payed dividends when, after 73 minutes a nice cross from Thomas found Sascha's head to make it 4-2. Sascha's second, his final hooray, sealed this match which the Whites now controlled cleverly until the end.

With two goals and one assist Sascha put in a superb performance in his final match for the GAS. We will miss him, not only for his goals but also his sense of humour and stunning singing performances during the Oktoberfest (and many other events) as a true "Koelsche Jong". Minus the singing, the same holds true for Mr Rode, besides the author the only BVB supporter in the team. Take care guys and good luck!

Florian Schmidt
latest news