German Super Cup Final Report.

German Super Cup 2012

Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich

Allianz Arena, August 12th 2012.

The German Super Cup started with a bang, with Bayern cutting through Dortmund from the word go, the League and Cup winners from last year looking very sloppy and they got punished via two early goals through Mario Mandzukic, a fine finish into the bottom corber after Ribery's cross evaded two Dortmund defenders and Thomas Müller, Müller's after Robben hit the post.

Following the goals Bayern continued to push for more, but got no further reward, Dortmund looked a shadow of their former selves, not making any passes and with very poor first touches. Not what we'd expect to see from the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champions from last year, who also failed to create any chances against a strong Bayern defence.

Especially Dante who looks a very good buy, as does Mandzukic who looked very sharp. This was the first time I had seen young Emre Can aswell, who looks like a decent prospect/understudy for Alaba. Luiz Gustavo picked up the first yellow of the game for a synical challenge on Jakub Blaszczykowski after a mazy run from the winger, meanwhile new signing Reus had made little impact in the game.

 Since the goals no real chances were created, Bayern were happy to keep the ball when they had it and move forward when the opportunity arose. The first chance for a while fell to the dangerous Müller, who scored both the goals when Bayern last won the competition. He fired just over from a dangerous Kroos free kick which Dortmund made a hash of clearing. We then caught a glimpse of Jürgen Klopp who looks lifeless, which is unusual for the energetic Schwarz-gelb manager. Emre Can was then booked after Kuba went on another run, who looked like Dortmund's best chance of a goal in the first half. 

For me Dortmund missed Sven Bender and Sebastein Kehl, Gündogan and Leitner are too attacking to play defensive midfield at the same time. Schmelzer then picjed up a booking for a tough tackle on Robben, these last 5 minutes of the first half were probably Dortmund's best, with their long passing being better than their short. The first half ends with Robben playing a lazy, lazy pass in the direction of Kroos, had it been better would have been able to have a go at goal. Half time in a dull match, Bayern in full control from the first whistle.

Second half begins and Dortmund start off far better moving and passing like last season and from a corner Manuel Neuer had his first save to make and it was a fantastic save from a powerful header from Neven Subotic, Dortmund's bright start had been coupled with their usual high pressing style, which wasn't there in the first half. Leitner was unlucky not to get on the end of a pass which would have sent him through on Neuer from Gündogan. 

Reus! Oh so close! Good build up play from Dortmund and its just wide from Reus, should have worked Neuer though. Dortmund were starting to force Bayern to play now and it was working. Reus whiped a free kick in, to which Hummels got up first and headed wide, Dortmund piled on the pressure! Dortmund deserved a goal the way it's going at the minute, as I said this Bayern got their first chance of the half, but were denied by an excellent last ditch tackle from Hummels. Klopp then thinks its time for change and Götze and Perisic come on for Leitner and GroBkreutz. 

This sends Dortmund to sleep and Robben hit a rasping drive low to Weidenfeller's left hand and does well to push it away. After a great run from Kuba, Reus and Lewandowski exchange passes and Lewandowski's shot at an open goal is blocked more by luck than judgement by Lahm's right foot. Holger Bastuber comes on for Emre Can, who had an excellent game, expect for his yellow card. Suprise again as Klopp responds but Kuba who had a good game is brought off for Schieber. The game died again as the customary boredom Mexican wave rolls around the stadium. 

Then Mario Götze made a difference as soon as he's got the ball. There is his reward! Dortmund get their goal! Fantastic finish from Lewandowski with a low curler into the bottom left hand curler from 20 yards leaving Neuer with no chance, Dortmund's tails are up! They go close again, Götze has turned this game and plays in Schieber who shoots just wide! Could possibly have cut back but that had Neuer stretching! Schieber couldn't stay out of the action as he recklessly tackled Ribery. Robben then got booked for seemingly diving, pity he hadn't cut that out over the summer. Another chance fell BVB's way but Götze couldn't take it!

 The ball dribbled into Neuer's hands, as he seemed to look for a cut back. Game slowed down again with minutes to go as Dortmund had a penalty appeal turned down against Lahm, that was close! By the amount of replays shown they must have thought it should have been. That's all we've had time for, Dortmund had the chances to draw or win the game which was at times a great and at times desperately dull. 

Man of the Match: Mario Götze. 

Mainly for coming on and changing a game that was quite dull up to then. His difect dribbling style as well as his cutting edge passing and willlingness to mame something happen in the game it bodes well for next season. Dortmund were excellent last year, especially without Götze since Christmas. So this surely can only be a boost for the Ruhr club.

Dortmund's clean sweep
Before the match Marco Reus was announced as German footballer of the year, voted by top German journalists. Second was Robert Lewandowski and third was Mats Hummels. I also picked the same trio a couple of months ago, so maybe I'm not too bad at this after all! Jürgen Klopp was also named coach of the year, in a clean sweep for Dortmund.

So, I hope you enjoyed my last post and this one too!
Thanks for reading and the continued support I've received, I can't thank you enough! It's a great feeling to know that people actually think highly enough of your writing to read it!

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Jonathan.