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Author Topic: The Wurst is yet to come : generally jaundiced jottings from German jaunts.  (Read 5499 times)

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JCFC

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The ground was just a short walk from the hotel ,but  it was as well that I had set off 55 minutes before kick-off. The ticket had a plan of the ground, but no indication of the appropriate entrance. I found what seemed to be the right one, only to be turned away by a steward, who directed me to the opposite corner of the ground, which entailed a roundabout walk through the streets - and a police checkpoint . Once there it became apparent that the steward had been wrong, so the trek back had to be undertaken, meaning that there was no time for food before

Friday 23rd November 2018
2. Bundesliga
SpVgg Greuther Fürth   3   v   2   1.FC Magdeburg
Markus Schmidt (Stuttgart); Manuel Bergmann, Fabian Maibaum.

Having hoped to see an up and coming young referee in charge, I was slightly disappointed when Herr Schmidt was appointed. True, he did once merit that description, when he was the youngest referee in the top leagues, but that was two decades or so ago. He was promoted to the 1. Bundesliga in 2003 and is currently the longest serving member of that list, without ever hitting the heights, averaging just over ten matches a season, only partly explained by an injury. From photos I had formed the impression that he was fairly small, but in reality he is pretty tall and thin. (A similar surprise had occurred many years ago when Harry New made a rare appearance at Leeds Road and was much taller than he appeared on television.)

Greuther Fürth is an established club at this level and have had a good first half of the season, while newly-promoted Magdeburg are in danger of speedy relegation.

Herr Maibaum was quickly in action with a flag for a foul within the first minute; not to be outdone, Herr Bergmann followed just 30 seconds later. The early stages saw some nice imaginative touches, but they came to nothing, thanks to good defensive work - and occasional not so nice touches. Midway through the half, however, Magdeburg twice came close within seconds, first an attacker was within inches of getting his foot to a cross and next a defender was back in time to clear a ball rolling goalwards. It was against the run of the play when a rapid attack saw the home side go ahead on the half hour, but they then enjoyed a good spell. The Magdeburg number 11 was called for an exchange of views when showing dissent but seemed to come out on top, having, if not the last word, definitely the last flouncing gestures. The Fürth winger lofted the ball over the onrushing keeper, but saw it slip just off target. It was the opponents' tricky winger whose run and cross set up the equaliser on 39 minutes.The home number 15 received a yellow card before the break for hauling down an opponent.

Magdeburg went ahead on 48 minutes with an excellent run and finish. Extended holding by the Magdeburg number 6 drew a free-kick but not the expected card. On 71 minutes a Magdeburg attacker had run clear of the defence when he went down, seemingly clipped from behind. Herr Schmidt raced to the spot to show a yellow to the home number 38. If this was intended to settle matters, it did not succeed both sides, for different reasons, being horrified at the verdict. Greuther Fürth were then denied by a good save and had penalty appeals for handball waved away. A leaping save by the home keeper turned the ball for a corner; the home number 17 was cautioned for dissent towards Herr Maibaum. On 87 minutes Fürth won a free kick a few yards short of the penalty area. Before the kick was taken Herr Schmidt insisted that an attacker standing on the 6 yard line come back to an onside position - and the kick was fired home for the equaliser.There followed gripping last few minutes, with both sides looking for a winner. Dissent earned the home number 29 a yellow card. The home keeper tipped a shot over the bar, while at the other end a header hit the side netting. In added time a corner. was headed home to give Fürth a winner they scarcely deserved. Substitutes and staff.raced across the pitch to the opposite corner to celebrate. Herr Schmidt  headed towards the centre, taking no action ... And after some seconds blew the final whistle. The Magdeburg number 6 was understandably not impressed with this  and received a yellow card as I left in search of sustenance.

For most of the game it had.not offered many problems and Herr Schmidt had not been greatly exercised. His manner was relaxed, but he managed to be there or thereabouts throughout. His style, though, was not totally convincing in either consistency or authority and the end of the match left much to be desired - common sense or copping out?
« Last Edit: Sat 24 Nov 2018 21:54 by JCFC »