Saturday, 12.12.2009 / SIFL 1st Division
GAME REPORT: Corea International FC vs. Shanghai Krauts - Die Zweite / 0-2

Reporter: Vic Blau

For the last game in 2009 Krauts II faced Corea FC on a windy and chilly Saturday midday at Tianma. Although the kick-off time had been delayed by one hour, causing the native Mecklenburger Sven to refresh and share in the email his memory of the hometown, the Krauts walked on the pitch with determination and one clear objective. i.e. three points as big Christmas present!

According to the plan of tactician Jan & strategist Sven, the Krauts started with a 3-2-3-2 formation, with clear accentuation of fighting in the middle field and attention to the swift move of the Koreans on the two wings. The beginning phase immediately mirrored the merits of the formation with huge advantage of the Krauts, who undertook the dominance of the game from the first minute and keep the game in high tempo within the first quarter. After several nice trials and enjoyable combinations, the effort was soon rewarded. A penalty kick was given to the Krauts, after Luca „Giulio” Toni got himself through against the helpless Korean defender in the box and got fouled by the same. Although playing total different positions, Super Mario Becherer copied the braveness and calmness of Hans Jörg Butt on the past Wednesday and shot his team to an early 1:0 lead. The Koreans got recovered from the German blitz attack only slowly and first challenged the Kraut’s keeper Ken on the ending phase of the first half. However, with Ken’s fast reaction and cooperation of the 3er-defensive-wall, no real damages were incurred in the first 45 minutes.

The Koreans commenced the second half with noticeably more input. Several attacks initiated by them from the two wings clearly signaled their intention to win back the dominance. Thanks to the excellent performance from Ken and the strong “Teamgeist” of the Krauts, the Koreans found it extremely difficult to work out any material chance and almost impossible to overcome some one as strong as Oliver Kahn in 2002 (prior to the final). While putting more value to defense, Krauts also changed the offensive plan with more attention to the fast contra. Finally they got their decisive chance after almost 15 minutes. Receiving a precise cross by Jan from the left side, Mark showed his swiftness and technical advantage in the direct duel against the Korean keeper in the box and shot the goal directly in the air into goal. This fantastic dream goal extended Krauts’ lead to 2:0 and decided the game in advance. Thereafter, both teams got several chances but the score was not changed anymore. After 90 minutes Krauts “Die Zweite” won against Corea FC with 2:0, ending 2009 with a glorious victory.

As recognition of the performance of Shanghai Krauts and “Die Zweite” during the whole year, a Christmas party was held at the Marco’s restaurant afterwards. A nice year was brought to an end with delicious schnitzels, wonderful HB beer and Schlager music (as requested). The President took the occasion to state his stance on one issue on the end:

“I did not, do not and will not need a VICE-PRESIDENT!!!”

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Saturday, 07.11.2009 / Hebiguchi Cup
GAME REPORT: Shanghai Krauts vs. Shanghai Krauts - Die Zweite / 2-3 n.V.

"Turn around, shot, goal."

The match Shanghai Krauts 1 vs. Shanghai Krauts 2 took place at Century Park with 250 fans looking forward to a thrilling cup fight. Krauts 2 trainer team decided to play with a 3 / 2 / 3 / 2 tactics, whilst Krauts 1 didn't want to spend too much time on "a much overrated topic", as coach Huelse said.

Non tactics payed out quite soon, Mathias brought them in front with a first goal. Krauts II playing coach Sven decided to equalize himself and used a nice pass by Nico "Sparwasser" to strike from 18 meters distance. Krauts I set the pace and Peter shot the 2:1 soon. At this point some disappointed fans of Krauts II nearly left the pitch. Kuno could prevent them from going home and placed an astonishing header after Olo's freekick. Krauts 1 now tried everything to avoid overtime and brought secret weapon Bilgin. Even this clever maneuver had no effect. - 2:2 after 90 quite exciting minutes.

Shanghai Krauts 2 trainer team prepared for the penalty shoutout and set up a list of players, Sven Schmieder nervously started to comb his hair. The trainer team then quickly accepted the referee's remark, that there's no penalty shoutout but overtime with golden goal rule.

Overtime only took 30 seconds: after a nice pass by Sven Juergen "Bierhoff" Kurz stroke with a shot tough as nails from 16 meters distance. Matchwinner Juergen's comment about his fascinating shot: "Turn around, shot, goal."

Juergen "Bierhoff" Kurz after his winning goal

Jan Matzke sum up the game: "First of all we have been little skeptic which changed after the first minutes of the game. We more and more got convinced that our rotation principle could make this a remarkable day in Krauts II history."

Men of the match:
Shanghai Krauts I: Kirk
Shanghai Krauts II: Juergen

President Daniel Berger: "I am quite happy for our 2nd team. They wanted to win the game, they won the game. That's football."

Some pieces of wisdom from the congenial-player-coach-team of Krauts II:
"Always substitute players before they get tired."
"Just mellow your opponents."
"Our formula for success is discipline."
"The round has to go into the squared."

Please find the complete interview with matchwinner Juergen "Bierhoff" Kurz online.