Torben Forster

DEFENSE

Herrmann Bergmann

Denis Mecklenburg

Steffen Schacher

Jens Taubken

MIDFIELD

Matthias Bertl

Joerg Kuehn

Philipp von Pein

Sebastian Zilm

STRIKERS

Sascha Maric

Florian Schmidt

SUBS

Martin Bock

Markus Dolenga

Robert Nahmani

It was another (even by Singapore standards) unbelievably hot day at

Dempsey Road, leading to a slow start of the cup match between the

German All Stars and Hotspurs. The first 15 minutes saw lots of

passing in midfield, some decent, some less so, with neither side

managing to grind out any advantages. Thus it needed the generous help

of a German midfielder to break the deadlock. A horrible backpass was

well intercepted by a Spurs striker. The lad said "thank you very

much", 0-1. Within 10 more minutes Spurs were up by three, courtesy of

some nice one-twos and clever attacking play against a German side

that now looked somewhat stunned and disorganized.

Whoever had watched the recent displays by the Germans could have been

forgiven for not putting a dime on the GAS side to turn this match

around.

However, the Black and Whites suddenly started to play some very good

football taking complete control of the game. Pippo, through on the

right wing was fouled in the box, but the referee's whistle remained

silent. After 30 minutes a free kick from Sascha was parried by the

Hotspurs goalie, the rebound was picked up by Florian but the keeper

once again parried superbly from 5 yards, this time for one of many

corner kicks. One of these corners, kicked by Madse and converted by

Sascha with a powerful header, brought the GAS definitely back into

the game. The great opportunity for the "Anschlusstreffer" fell to

Florian who was through on the right wing but his shot missed the left

side of the goal by, perhaps, one inch. Seconds later the Germans were

denied another clear penalty after a Spurs defender handled in the

box, and just before halftime Jens missed the Hotspurs goal by a

whisker with a powerful shot from the right. 1-3 it was at halftime

but the Germans had plenty of reasons to remain hopeful.

The GAS side continued to exercise pressure after the break, courtesy

of some nice passing down the wings. A superb run by Pippo on the

right wing was followed by a great cross which found Robert who scored

his debut goal for the GAS, just 5 minutes into the second half.

Robert had a chance to double his tally barely three minutes later

with a well orchestrated one-on-one but the Hotspurs keeper prevented

the equalizer. Indeed the Germans were now very close to the

equalizer, keeping up pressure.

Some new players were brought on to keep the machine running. But

after 70 minutes, fairly against the run of play, the excellent #24

Spurs striker capitalized on a misunderstanding in the German defense

and made no mistake from the resulting one-on-one. The morale of the

GAS was now broken and the very #24 (with a lovely chip) and one of

his striker partners made it 2-6 within 5 minutes. From 80 minutes

onwards the Hotspurs didn't more than necessary to administer the lead

without allowing the Germans to create any further substantial danger.

Like in the last year, the Hotspurs side proved to be the nemesis for

the German All Stars in the cup competition. The overall display of

the Black and Whites was certainly more determined and spirited than

what was shown in recent Cosmo League matches, but it is yet again the

plate competition for the GAS.

Thanks to the Hotspurs for a well palyed and fair match. Good luck for

the upcoming Cup campaign.