|
Hertha Berlin
|
3
|
Simon, Lars (2)
|
|
Wolverhampton Wanderers
|
2
|
Jordan, Matthew
|
Hertha kicked off the league against Wolves with a one-player advantage over the other two teams. However, it was Wolves who started brightest with their two dangerous wingers Matthew and Till threatening early on. First Marci came out well to stop with his feet after Matthew had raced clear and moments later Matthew's early cross found Till, who flicked the ball just wide of the post.
A break down the right from Lars led to the opening goal as he pulled the ball across to the onrushing Simon who fired a low shot past Balu for the league's first goal. Hurley almost made it two for Hertha with a great left foot shot which flew just wide. He then set up Lars but his effort sliced wide.
After half time Wolves looked composed but lost their concentration after three minutes from a corner, allowing Lars to bury a great back post header from Hurley's cross. Some great football pulled a goal back as Till found Jordan with a throw in. He turned and played a neat one-two with Joao to get clear and placed his shot across Marci into the far corner.
The comeback was short-lived, however, as Lars nipped in to steal the ball from David and finished from close range to give Hertha a two-goal cushion again. Hurley nearly put them out of sight, but his silky dribble and cracking shot weren't rewarded as the ball smashed off the inside of the post and away to safety!
The drama wasn't over yet, as Matthew's corner missed everyone and bounced up awkwardly at Lars. The ref adjudged harshly that it came off his arm and a penalty was awarded! Marci made a great save from Matthew's shot, but couldn't prevent him poking the loose ball home. Fortunately for Hertha it was the last kick of the match as they posted their first win and first 3 points of the league.
|
|
Hertha Berlin
|
3
|
Hurley (2), Lars
|
|
Roma
|
1
|
Geza
|
As they had a one-man advantage, Hertha only had a moment's break before taking on Roma... but it didn't seem to matter as Hurley stode through some non-existent tackles to slot the ball home right from the kick-off! A midfield battle ensued with the next opportunity falling to Marcell after a clever pass from Geza, but Marci was out smartly to deny him. At the other end Glenn pulled off a fantastic double save to keep his twin brother Lars from adding to the score. On half-time Roma almost equalised as Marci parried Marcell's corner but Hingl volleyed the loose ball over the bar.
Thomas was the hero for the Blues twice in three minutes in almost identical situations as Fulop broke the offside trap and lifted the ball over the advancing Marci. Racing back onto the line Thomas somehow hooked the ball clear and out for corners both times receiving a deserved pat on the back from his team mates! It was Hurley again who produced a bit of magic in midfield, playing a neat 1-2 with Lars, and although Glenn made a great save from the initial effort, Lars had followed up well and finished to the empty net.
Marci threw Roma a lifeline as he misjudged Geza's punt upfield from inside his own half and the ball bounced in off the post for a bizarre goal! However, from the kick-off again Hurley received the ball back from Lars and placed a shot into the corner to give the Blues a two goal cushion which they held onto to secure maximum points from the opening day's play.
|
|
Wolverhampton Wanderers
|
2
|
Jordan, Till
|
|
Roma
|
0
|
Otto
|
With both teams desperate to register a win, this game was a fierce battle from the off. Jordan almost opened the scoring as he deflected Till's cross into Glenn's arms. Wolves made a deserved breakthrough after 6 minutes as the Reds failed to clear, and despite the ball striking Hingl's arm during some penalty box pinball, Jordan was on hand to smash home a low volley.
Roma were giving away free-kicks and Till forced Glenn into two parried saves before half-time. The second fell for Simon, whose volley was heading just wide until it struck Jordan's chest and bounced in but fortunately for Roma he was adjudged offside.
Soon after the break another Till free-kick provided the second goal but Glenn will be disappointed as he allowed the ball to bounce over his body as he dived to his right. Kevin's temper then got the better of him and he was booked for a very late tackle on Matthew. However, this seemed to wake the Reds up as Hingl fired a free over before Geza, Hingl and Fulop all came close but failed to find the target.
Marcell and Fulop had efforts saved by Balu before Jordan raced clear on the break and round Glenn only to see Sam get back to clear the ball to safety. The final whistle left Roma frustrated and Wolves pleased with a victory, but no team wins or loses the league on the opening day and with more players to add to the squads, next week could be very different...
|
