First point scored. - Delay in Prussian advancement.
The footballers from Münster's third division had their heads hanging low as they left the Verler Sportclub Arena after a disappointing 2-0 defeat. They had hoped to secure their spot in the 2nd division with a victory in their penultimate game of the season, but they were miles away from achieving that goal against a technically skilful and dazzling host team.
Their head coach, Sascha Hildmann (52), admitted to the disappointment, stating that "Verl's home win was absolutely deserved. It was clear that only one team had something to lose, while the other didn't. We never really got into the game as we had planned."
The East Westphalians had prepared well for the game against the runners-up in the table, effectively neutralizing star players Malik 'Batman' Batmaz (24) and Joel 'Johnny' Grodowski (26, with 17 goals each). However, this resulted in the team creating more opportunities for themselves, as they were usually quicker and retrieved most second balls.
Münster captain Marc Lorenz (35), with 103 second division appearances under his belt (for KSC and Bielefeld), praised the home team's tough play style. He acknowledged that it had been a challenging match but looked forward to the next game: "We'll bring it to a successful conclusion next Saturday at home against Unterhaching." This would secure the second match point for promotion.
However, if a spot in the 2nd division couldn't be secured, there would be a relegation play-off against the third-last team in the 2nd division, currently SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The Prussians all agreed that this wasn't a scenario they wanted to see.
A memorable moment occurred in the 29th minute when the ball clearly hit SC defender Torge Paetow's (28) arm in his own penalty area, as shown by the TV cameras from Magenta Sport. Despite this, the referee did not blow the whistle for a penalty. Hildmann admitted that if the penalty had been awarded and converted, the course of the game would have been different.
During the first half, Verl had missed good opportunities through Maximilian Wolfram (27/13/27 and 45), while the visitors' only serious attempt at goal came from forward Lorenz, who shot from 22 meters but was denied by Verl's keeper Luca Unbehaun (23).
In the second half, Münster changed their strategy a bit and pushed more, but still conceded their first goal after an hour. Verl's "striker cop" Lars Lokotsch (27), who had scored the "golden goal" at Dynamo a week ago, was in the right place to score from close range after a deflected cross.
The visitors persisted with their attacks, sending cross after cross in front of the Verl goal, but to no avail. Central defender Alexander Hahn (31) came close to equalizing with his head twice (66 and 85), but he was also unfortunate that his supposed equalizer to make it 1-1 (71') was disallowed for offside.
So the game ended with the expected result. With their last counter-attack, Verl sealed the victory with a goal (90.+5) from "joker" Berkan Taz (25).
Alex Hahn, whose contract was not renewed, would not be able to play in the final against Unterhaching due to his fifth yellow card. However, he was indifferent to his absence: "Then I'd rather watch it from the stands as a spectator."
SC coach Alexander Ende (44), a former professional midfielder for the team (2006 to 2008), offered the Prussians some words of encouragement on their way home, assuring them that "it's much nicer to achieve promotion in your own stadium." He expected success in the final against Unterhaching and added, "I wish all the Prussians every success and hope we won't meet again in the new season."
Read also:
- Remaining contenders down to two in DFB's struggle versus Brazil.
- Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
- Berlin Transport Senator Schreiner Steps Down over Doctorate Issues
- The Next Development in the DAZN/DFL Billion Euro Controversy
Source: symclub.org
