die Adler play to draw against Köln

While hopes were set on a much needed victory, Friedhelm Funkel has many reasons for optimism as his ten-man side held off Köln for a 2-2 draw.

Once again the promising play of Alexander Meier was a highlight as with his match his return to form seems very evident. Along with Nikola Petković, who seems like he’ll be a fixture in the lineup for years to come, die Adler controlled play from the opening whistle till the break. Hope for a victory turned up as following Martin Fenin’s shot the drilled the cross-bar twenty minutes after the start, Marco Russ headed Markus Steinhöfer’s set piece just past the half hour.

Following the break Köln shook off their timid side and started to push forward more. After a few opportunities to build on the lead, the visitors drew the match even three minutes before the hour as Köln Slovenia combination of Mišo Brečko and Milivoje Novakovič teamed up with Novakovič closing out a through ball into the back of the net. Only six minutes later the Frankfurt lead was restored with Markus Steinhöfer’s cross volleyed in by Martin Fenin. However that lead would disappear as Chris was straight red-card and the spot pointed to with sixteen minutes remaining with Novakovič converting. Although Köln stormed forward in search of the winner, the match came to an end 2-2.

From the draw there is a great deal of optimism as the team grows. Now we must steady our focus and midfield play ahead of next weeks match against Wolfsburg.