One of the things that I love the most about the DFB Pokal is that seemingly random teams can get a try at standing their ground against some of Germany’s absolute top teams. This was the exact task for 5th tier HEBC Hamburg tonight, as they visited the Westfalenstadion with their heads full of dreams. Because no matter how unrealistic or impossible something might seem—everything can happen in football. Always. Well—tonight nothing out of the ordinary happened, as Dortmund proceeded to Demolish
the part-timers 5-0.
The Black and Yellows took some time to get going, and it actually looked rather tedious in the first 25 minutes or so. Nmecha had a great effort miraculously saved by goalkeeper Schoon after exactly 25 minutes, and you started to wonder whether he would have one of those days at the (part time) office. In the 32nd minute, BVB finally broke the deadlock, ironically through an own goal from Captain Janek Wrede after a Ryerson cross bounced awkwardly off him and into the goal. BVB would proceed to score three more goals in the first half—a nice volley by Svensson, a hard, direct finish by Inacio inside the box and another goal by the young Italian after a well placed shot into the far corner.
In the second half, BVB took the foot off the gas whilst introducing numerous new players. I thought Chukwuemeka especially looked bright, while Prates and Beier were a bit more anonymous. Overall, the game ended in a 5-0 victory, and as fan of Borussia Dortmund, I welcome every stomp, as they don’t happen often! Here are my shouts for MOTM.
Samuele Inacio
I think Inacio was very lively together with Mathis Albert on the other wing. The Italian scored two very fine goals, and he arguably should have had a third, as he had many attempts and almost-attempts during the match. Karetsats might look like a diamond, but Inacio might just be one of almost equal value.
Julian Ryerson
Ryerson was substituted for Beier after 45 minutes, but he still notched a couple of assists before going off. He also launched some decent corners.
Filippo Mane
I very much welcomed the inclusion of Filippo Mane in tonight’s starting XI, and I thought he did an excellent job. If he is to be a returning feature this season, this game did him good—although against inferior opposition.
Mathis Albert
Mathis Albert didn’t get on the score sheet tonight, but he looked very dangerous on many occasions. I certainly forgot that he’s only 17 years old.
Who was your MOTM? And how far do you think Inacio can go this season? Let me know in the comments below!
