matchreport - 06-Feb-10 - german as v. nippon
Team German AS
Author GAS Management
line up
 GOAL
Zafer Evren

DEFENSE
Timo Alberts
Hermann Bergmann
Marcus Heerlein
Denis Mecklenburg

MIDFIELD
Thomas Berner
Jens Hoffmann
Jens Taubken
Jan Wiechmann

STRIKERS
Volker Giebitz
Michael Klemm

SUBS
Hendrik "Finch" Bohne
Michel Herrmann
Joerh Kuehn
Florian Schmidt
BIRTHDAY BOY AND FAREWELL BOY CANNON GERMANS INTO THE NEXT ROUND
 Nippon went into the game on a high, having ekes out some good draws against top-tier league teams. Coach Joreg hence recommended a cautious 4-4-2 approach, similar to the strategy that had worked so well against Hibs. Work from a tight defense, remain patient and wait for opportunities to hit them on the counter.

But the Japanese left the German midfield a lot of space in the opening minutes, allowing the Whites to exercise pressure right from the start. Birthday boy Micha and Jens H, who played his farewell match (and what a match this would be!) had some good scenes splitting the Nippon defense on more than just one occasion. The first goal, however, did not arise from the nice-to-watch free flowing passing game, but an individual long range effort from birthday boy Micha after 14 minutes. His 20 meter hammer hit the inside of the upright, leaving the Nippon goalie with no chance.

Subsequently, the Germans controlled match and opponent and after 26 minutes Tommy had a great opportunity to make it 2-0, following a nice combination by Volle and Micha, but his shot went agonizingly close. 1-0 it remained ... but not for long. After 30 minutes Jens H curled a free quick right from the center behind the Japanese defense into the run of Micha who found himself one-on-one with the Nippon goalie. Micha made no mistake and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 2-0.  Shortly thereafter Jens H got past two defenders but his shot from the right side of the box was well saved.

Strangely, the Germans lacked concentration during the subsequent minutes, allowing Nippon to launch some attacks into the GAS box. But the German defense stood firm and cleared the resulting corners. After 43 minutes another clever long ball found Micha who stormed in into the box, passed it to Volle who found Jens H unmarked on his right who made his well deserved goal from 8 meters into bottom left corner. Jens & Jens could almost made it four when a Jen T header once again split the Nippon defense but this time Jens H couldn't convert the one-on-one situation. 3-0 it was at halftime thanks to a disciplined and overall very convincing performance.

The second half started like the first with good control and possession in midfield. After 120 seconds Jens H found himself at the right corner of the box. Since nobody offered himself to gave it a go and hit the back of the net to make it 4-0. Nippon kept battling, showing good spirit and managed to get one back, courtesy of a wickedly deflected shot after 55 minutes. 60 seconds later Jan finished a fine individual effort with a pass to Florian who should have scored the fifth but the Nippon goalie poached the ball from his foot.

The Germans continued to dictate the match throughout the last 30 minutes, creating numerous decent opportunities but the final scoreline read GAS 4, Nippon 1.

All-in a convincing display and a fully deserved win to keep the Whites in the competition. Man of the match goes to Jens Hoffmann who had a tremendous game in the right midfield, tormenting the Nippon defense, running his heart out, creating danger whenever being in possession of the ball and, almost inevitably, scoring two beautiful goals. Well done, Jens, thank you for the fine contribution you made to the team not only today but throughout your stay, and all the best in your future endeavors.

Florian Schmidt
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