Fortuna Dusseldorf - Write Up & Player Scores

Fortuna Dusseldorf - ST PAULI

 St. Pauli's duel with Fortuna Dusseldorf was certainly one of the stranger matches of the .2 Bundesliga so far. The hosts finished the game with 9 men, as a disastrous second half waved goodbye to Bodzek and Hoffmann. After the first dismissal, Fortuna strangely and instantly took the lead. A number of clumsy challenges lead the referee no option to start handing out verbal cautions and cards. The second red was handed to Bodzek after a second yellow. No questions asked, a lousy challenge on Sahin, a long 30 minutes remained for Fortuna.

The first goal arrived minutes later, as a corner wasn't dealt with by the visitors. A series of deflections meant that the ball fell to a perfectly positioned Hoffmann, not the man Fortuna would have wanted in that scenario, but he calmly volleyed it past a flat-footed Heerwagen. St Pauli, caught off-guard despite having the extra man advantage.

Fortuna didn't have long to celebrate as St Pauli equalized only minutes later. Similar to the first goal, but from a free-kick delivered by Sobota. Again, the ball was knocked about in the box as Rensing awkwardly juggled it to Zeireis. Similar to Hoffmann, the odds weren't in his favour to score, but a moment of quality saw the ball rocket into the roof of the net. Game on.

A game-changing moment in the 82nd minute. A straight red for the first goal scorer, Hoffmann. Sahin was through on goal, permitting a solid challenge from the number 3. He couldn't handle the wingers pace as the Turk was swiped from his feet. A straight red, leaving the struggling hosts in a spot of bother. With their 9 men having the last 10 minutes to salvage what they could, it was not going to be easy. The ball was placed a yard outside the box. Buchtmann stepped up and gently lofted the ball over an unmoved wall. The grounded Rensing watched as the ball nestled to his left. The visitors now 2-1 up.

The game essentially concluded with Bouhaddouz ending up on the score sheet. A tired and depleted team failed to pick up the Moroccan, who was lingering between the broken back line. he had the time to look up and tip the ball over a fleeing Rensing, who had left his net. The easiest goal of the night, coming in the 93rd minute. A frustrated and crumbled Fortuna had lost the affair 1-3. A bizarre last 30 minutes. One which St Pauli certainly cherished a lot more than their opponents. 3 very, very important points being returned to Hamburg.

Philipp Heerwagen - 7.4/10

Not a lot to do in the first half. Most of his involvement consisted of keeping possession at the back. Not one shot required the veteran goalkeeper's input. Only one real chance in the first 45 minutes threatening St Pauli, however, the shot was lifted over the bar by Fortuna's Fink. The last 45 was equally as quiet, other than the conceded goal. Nothing he could do, as it was a well-struck volley.

- INDIVIDUAL PLAYER SCORES

Philipp Ziereis - 8.6/10

A great game for the 24 year old who actually played at right-back. He passed well, both to fellow centre-halves, up the line or central. It was a great goal which was scored by him to make it 1-1, a controlled strike, with sufficient power meant it was practically unstoppable. Strong on the ball, the Fortuna forwards' were kept quiet for most of the game.

Soren Gonther - 7.8/10

Again, another quality performance in the defensive line. Him and Sobiech had an almost perfect 90 minutes. Similar to Ziereis, he had a big role in spreading the ball through the team from the back. Gonther worked well cohesively with the equally experienced Sobiech, both eradicating any chance of a threat coming from the offence. However, he did lose his marker, allowing Hoffmann to score the first goal of the game. A simple lapse of concentration on a set-piece. Fortunately, Gonther made amends for it as he headed the assist for the equalising goal.

Lasse Sobiech - 7.6/10

A very traditional centre-half performance from the captain. All game he battled both in the air and on the ground. He flicked on the free-kick from Sobota to Gonther, which then consequently lead to Ziereis scoring St Pauli's first goal of the game. Sobiech did what was required of him throughout the game. Not many notable moments, but his presence was valued highly all the way to the final whistle.

Jeremy Dudziak - 4.5/10

(Daniel Buballa - 6.8/10 - Not a lot worth noting, other than the assist he gained for Bouhaddouz, a wonderfully executed pass)

Dudziak was replaced coming up to half time as it appeared he had injured his shoulder. This almost lead to St Pauli conceding. It may sound harsh to criticize him for this, but he practically dangled a carrot for Fortuna, as he took far too long on the ball. Dudziak was the last man, but luckily his mistake wasn't cashed in, as the opportunity was blown. The young German just appeared slack at times and not of his usual standard.

Johannes Flum - 6.3/10

(Bernd Nehrig - N/A)

*Flum then later on replaced by Thy (Thy - N/A)

Sadly, Nehrig came off after only a couple of minutes following a nasty collision with Fortuna's Akpoguma. Hopefully, both have a speedy recovery. Flum didn't have much of a role to be honest, other than to control and sweep up the middle of the pitch. Him and Buchtmann had worked well but the majority of Fortuna's offensive pressure was on the counter-attack or played through the channels, meaning Flum didn't have a lot of involvement with him featuring in the middle. Nonetheless, an average game for the substitute.

Christopher Buchtmann - 8.6/10

The midfield maestro had a very pleasing game. Firstly, his free-kick was perfect, it was both a mixture of the wall not jumping (which is understandable seeing as the free kick was only about 19 yards out) and his great technique. A wonderfully taken chance. Throughout the game he played in Sobota, Sahin and Bouhaddouz with ease, dictating the play. Earlier on this season I have wanted Buchtmann to add a bit of extra bite and desire to his game, he certainly delivered that in this fixture.

Cenk Sahin - 8.5/10

My player of the season so far didn't disappoint against Fortuna either. He didn't make it to the score sheet and he wasn't as active when pacing down the wings like he usually does. He forced 2 fouls which lead to both players being dismissed from play. His pace was godlike, as he left both Bodzek and Hoffmann left for dead. He still had his moments out wide, they weren't as significant, but he definitely posed a threat as usual. More importantly were the 2 players he removed from the game. His touch past Hoffmann and acceleration was incredible.

Waldemar Sobota - 8.1/10

Sobota was influencial in this game. The Pole delivered the ball which lead to St Pauli's equaliser. Not only that, but he could have had another assist to his name as a pin-point cross found Bouhaddouz unattended in the box. Unfortunately, the Moroccan couldn't convert. A great ball, which was certainly worth mentioning. Again, some great link up play throughout the 90 minutes, damaging on the attack and full of energy all game.

Mats Moller Daehli - 7.6/10

Daehli had a really good run out. Unfortunately, nothing in particular that really impacted on the game, but he chased everything. Putting pressure on the 2 centre-halves and not giving up on seemingly lost chances, the young Norwegian played a massive indirect role. His passing was superb and as usual, his creativity and tight dribbling tired the opponents. It was a shame he didn't get an assist or goal, but I think his teammates and fans praised his efforts.

 

Aziz Bouhadouz - 6.9/10

I know, he scored a goal. I may be slightly harsh on the target-man's score, but I do feel that he sometimes (and in this game especially) should be putting more chances away. We're not talking half-chances either, there was the cross from Sobota (as mentioned) which was praying to be slotted in, it didn't even hit the target. I can't deny, he finished his goal well, but they should be bread and butter opportunities for front-men of his quality. I appreciate Bouhaddouz' effort as the single man up top, but that early chance should have been taken.

FC St Pauli 1 - 0 Wurzburger Kickers

"It Could Have Been Wurz" -

A brief match synopsis - FC St Pauli - Wurzburger Kickers

The first 5 minutes were shambolic. A few naughty challenges from both teams set the tone early on. A scrappy start to the game, as neither team managed to dominate the ball. St Pauli pressing from kick-off and determined to get an early hold of the game. It was a feisty affair as a couple of yellow cards could have been handed out. Credit to the referee, who kept his composure. He had a lot to deal with in the early stages of the fixture. A terrible challenge on Dudziak could have definitely left Wurzburg with 10 men with 75 minutes to go.

A few good chances wasted as little football was being played on the pitch. Sahin was fed towards goal out wide by an ever-so teasing Mohler-Daehli ball. Sadly, the young Turk couldn't find space to tuck the ball in from about 6 yards out. A trademark piece of play from two very talented and important assets of the St Pauli squad this year. Minutes later, a free kick was delivered by Buchtmann. Sobiech towered above all and connected well with his head. A solid effort, which was comfortably saved, preventing the hosts from going a goal up. There was very little for the Hamburg outfit to do defensively in the first half other than a few minor threats from the visitors. Disappointingly, St Pauli could have gone in at half time the better of the two teams. However, their chances weren't taken and the quality of the end product simply wasn't enough.

Almost straight away from kick-off St Pauli again had another golden opportunity. Sobota, with acres of space out wide offered a delicately lofted ball into the box. Gonther rose, only to push the ball wide with his headed chance. It seemed like it was going to be Wurzburg's lucky day as the third St Pauli chance wasn't taken. It sounds unbelievable I know, but seconds later the counter attack was on for the Boys in Brown as another chance was created. Buchtmann pacing down the left hand side looked up to find his target. Bouhaddouz, surprisingly had a few feet of room in the box as the ball was played to his feet. All he had to do was make decent contact with the ball, unfortunately that wasn't the case. The Moroccan international fluffed his lines as the ball span out of control into the air. It wasn't to be. Mohler-Daehli had a half chance this time. About 65 minutes in, a nice bit of build-up play allowed Sobota enough time to deliver again. As luck had it, the wrong man was waiting as the Norwegian headed wide from about 6 yards. It became more and more frustrating to watch as it seemed a goal was never going to come.

It seemed a similar story to the first half. Desperation kicking in, more so from the hosts. The Milerntor eager to see a goal and fast. Time was ticking away, and chances were becoming fewer and fewer. The same fouls were being given: delaying free kicks, stopping the counter-attack and the odd lazy challenge. The game was crying out for a moment of magic. If you were to go by the previous 85 minutes you'd be expecting very little. Play was eventually quicker, more innovative from St Pauli, it was just the final ounce of quality that had been lacking.

However, in the 88th minute, the moment everyone was waiting for. The ball was played up from Heerwagen as a last chance punt. Sobiech even pushed forward to add to the attack. On the edge of the box, substitute Thy managed to find the maestro, Buchtmann lurking around the 18 yard box. Turning back inside he released a shot which seemed to find a gap at the near post. It was a big goal, potentially saving St Pauli from relegation. The atmosphere felt like all the pressure had finally been lifted. They had left it late, but it didn't matter. Only a few, plus added time remained as they tried to slow the game down. The game fizzled out and a very, very important 3 points were earned. It wasn't the most aesthetic performance from the Boys in Brown, but what mattered was the win, and eventually that was the end result.

1-0 to St Pauli. Statistically, the correct result. They had the hunger and extra desire in the end to take the 3 points. Wurzburg, not showing much of a direct threat, seemed to be happy to settle for a draw. If chances we're taken in the earlier stages of the game the Hamburg outfit could have put themselves at ease a lot sooner. Either way, the visitors were only inviting a desperate, relegation threatened team playing at home. A less than mouth-watering showcase of football, but one of the most important results so far this season.