Zieler representative contracts a cold. - Weinkauf is defended by 96.
Ivan Franjic (26) netted a spectacular free-kick, leading to Hannover 96's 0:1 loss in their first U23 promotion game in Würzburg. But was this a truly unstoppable shot?
Leo Weinkauf (27) initially appeared set to defend against a deflected ball over the wall, yet as Franjic advanced, the goalkeeper took another step toward center, leaving him no time to react. The ball hit the back of Weinkauf's net, leaving the goalkeeper startled.
Stendel vouches for Weinkauf
Daniel Stendel (50), coach, defends Weinkauf, highlighting the exceptional quality of Franjic's free-kick: "We can't change that now. Let's move on."
Even Marcus Mann (40), who brought Franjic to Saarbrücken in 2019, shows support for Weinkauf. "If Leo had remained in the corner, I'm unsure if he could have reached the ball. The free-kick was shot very well."
Aside from these instances, Weinkauf had trouble in his professional goalkeeping duties. In August 2023, during a cup exit against Sandhausen, he was held accountable for the equalizer (2-2) as a loose ball was allowed past after a backpass from Bright Arrey-Mbi.
In October 2022's cup game against Dortmund (0-2), Weinkauf faced another humiliating moment when he allowed a bizarre goal. Weinkauf allowed the first goal after a shot fired from a sharp angle into the short corner, as Arrey-Mbi missed a pass from Moukoko.
Praising Julian Börner
Meanwhile, Julian Börner (33), colleague in the first team, shone during their match in Würzburg.
During the nervous first half of Hannover 96, Börner provided stability in defense for the younger players. With an increase in confidence in the second half, he shielded the Hannover defense from Würzburg's fast counterattacks, intercepting a late attempt from Wessig to save the day.
Credit from Mann: "Börni provided a sense of security for the younger players in goal." Börner himself believed in his team: "Although there was nervousness and respect for the opponent in the first half, we were much stronger in the second. I told the boys not to be discouraged. Now it's about giving it their all on Sunday."
The next promotion match in Hannover is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m., with hopes of around 25,000 spectators.
The promotion return match will be played on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The Reds are expecting a crowd of about 25,000 spectators.
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