Bertl                 Matthias

Binder              Rino

Giebitz              Volker

Heerlein            Marcus

Herrmann         Michel

Klemm             Michael

Lanthaler          Franz

Rode                Philipp

Taubken           Jens

Evren               Zafer

Subs:

Bohne              Hendrik

Dolenga            Markus

Pachmann         Marcus

The scene was set at Turf City for the kick off to the 09/10 GAS COSMO campaign against ISA Lions. While several players have been out or injured the key focus was to stick together as a team and ensure to give the Lions a tough time.

The Germans started with the Black Cat from the Bosporus in goal, who sported is lovely & sexy Peter-Cech-Suppenschuessel. Sven and Jens played the Libero's and Manndeckers were Michel Platini and Herminator 4. The midfield was assembled by Mister Road, Rino Tongue, Franz Klammer, Marcus van Veen and rejuvenated Madse Breitner. Up front it was the Jahrhundersturm Michael Sparwasser and Volle Voeller.

At the beginning of the game both teams struggled to get into the rhythm with Lions getting the slightly better start. Around mid of the first half it was Volle with a typical Gerd Mueller “Roller” to make it 1-0 for the Germans though. Only a few minutes later a nice long ball were missed by Sven and Jens, so that the good Lions winger had no problems to convert and make it 1-1. The game was pretty much open now with Lions hitting the post and cross bar. After a quickly taken free it was again the Germans though who took the lead, with Michael Sparwasser squeezing the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the penalty box. Short before the break the numerous (beery) German supporters had the goal cry already on their lips, but Volle's second “Streich” went only a few inches wide. With this it was 2-1 for the Germans at half time and plenty to play for. The second half saw all 4 German substitues (Pachi Pachmann, Carsten Ramelow, Finch and Markus Ballack) coming on and seamlessly integrating into the squad. The play of the game now was pretty much towards the German goal with Lions mounting the pressure. The German tanks stood tall though with only allowing a limited number of chance and with the Cat in Goal, who fully utilized his Suppenschuessel to keep a clean sheet. Only 5 minutes from time after another great pass by Volle it was Capitano Michael, who put the game beyond doubt with a great run and clinical finish. Certainly with a bit of luck, but great spirit and teamgeist the Germans took the points. Thanks to Lions for a very fair game. MOM goes to Volle, as he stood out with excellent vision, working and passing up front.

Joerg