The Green Whites salvaged their season by claiming the DFB Pokal with a 1-0 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The victory provides the club the added benefit of claiming a spot in the Europa League set to begin this summer.
With captain Frank Baumann playing in his final match for Werder before a sold-out Olympiastadion, fans of Bundesliga action were treated to a high flying encounter. The Green-Whites had ample opportunity to score early but efforts by Austria's Sebastian Prödl and Naldo fell short. Space was starting to close down but two minutes before the hour Werder would score the lone goal as Mesut Özil accepted Juventus-bound Diego's provision and drove the ball in, via a opportunistic deflection of Manuel Friedrich. Remarkably a few minutes after the goal Frank Baumann was forced out of the match due to an injury but after ten years of service the great leader waved in appreciation to the adoring fans one final time. Down by one the Leverkusen side poured forward in the final half hour and despite being a continuous threat they could not find a way past Tim Wiese.
The victory sits well for Werder as it provides great solace in a difficult season. Under the leadership of Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf will rebuild and return to the heights of the Bundesliga. Their leadership and insight as Werder men is irreplaceable and should provide true supporters of the club confidence of the future.
Showing posts with label Werder Bremen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Werder Bremen. Show all posts
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Diego heads to Juventus
With still the DFB Pokal final to play on Saturday, Werder has confirmed that the deal to send Diego to Juventus is complete. The twenty-four year old former Santos-man will be sadly missed by the Green-Whites who will now weigh using some of their transfer money bounty for a more established replacement or look towards Mesut Özil.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Werder drops final match of year 5-1 to Wolfsburg
Whether it was fatigue from the UEFA Cup final loss on Wednesday, the emotional drop or just focus on upcoming DFB Pokal final, the Green-Whites rolled over losing 5-1 to Wolfsburg in the final match day of the Bundesliga.
Many had wondered if Werder could pull off the ultimate of upsets on the final day and upend Wolfsburg's title hopes but that came to an end quickly as the hosts showed why they were on the road to their first championship. In rapid fire succession Wolfsburg had a three goal lead by the hour and despite a slick goal by Diego, the match was never in doubt. Starting first with Zvjezdan Misimović's goal from a close range rebound at the six minute mark, Wolfsburg doubled the mark at the quarter-hour and Grafite flicked in Christian Gentner's cross from a acute angle. Four minutes prior to the half-hour Sebastian Prödl was the unfortunate victim of a own goal as her redirected Grafite’s low cross. The lone highlight of the match came just past the half-hour when Diego linked nicely with Claudio Pizzaro however beyond that the day was a celebration for Wolfsburg. After the break Grafite and Edin Džeko added goals while Wolfsburg supporters readied for the trophy presentation.
Many had wondered if Werder could pull off the ultimate of upsets on the final day and upend Wolfsburg's title hopes but that came to an end quickly as the hosts showed why they were on the road to their first championship. In rapid fire succession Wolfsburg had a three goal lead by the hour and despite a slick goal by Diego, the match was never in doubt. Starting first with Zvjezdan Misimović's goal from a close range rebound at the six minute mark, Wolfsburg doubled the mark at the quarter-hour and Grafite flicked in Christian Gentner's cross from a acute angle. Four minutes prior to the half-hour Sebastian Prödl was the unfortunate victim of a own goal as her redirected Grafite’s low cross. The lone highlight of the match came just past the half-hour when Diego linked nicely with Claudio Pizzaro however beyond that the day was a celebration for Wolfsburg. After the break Grafite and Edin Džeko added goals while Wolfsburg supporters readied for the trophy presentation.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Werder loses UEFA Cup final to Shakhtar Donetsk
The Green-Whites hopes for UEFA Cup ended with a 2-1 added-time loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul. For Werder, the night will be remembered for missed opportunities and deeply hampered with the loss of Diego and Hugo Almeida. As difficult as it sounds for Thomas Schaaf's side it could be a "shape of things to come" with Diego apparently off to Juventus but without the Brazilian playmaker the Werder attack rarely materialized. The highly promising Mesut Özil will in-time be a superb attacking leader but that time is still a few years off, if he can ever match Diego's expertise. That aside, Werder must pick it self off the ground and ready for the main target of next weeks DFB Pokal final.
Shakhtar took the lead via a counter five minutes before the half hour as Răzvan Raţ sent a long ball to Luiz Adriano, who flicked over Werder keeper Tim Wiese. Only ten minute later the match was level on a soft goal as Naldo's free kick from thirty metres bounced of Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov and in. For the balance of regulation time Tim Wiese was the hero of Werder's day saving a few notable attempts but otherwise the Shahktar keeper had an easier night. The Ukrainian side claimed the trophy via a goal seven minutes into added time as Darijo Srna sent a perfect cross from the right corner to Jadson, who fired the ball in off Tim Wiese's mitts from twelve metres. Despite efforts to level it wasn't to be be and the match ended in defeat.
There was naturally the faces of dejection all around. The disappointment of defeat is of-course, natural yet through it all it was a brilliant run in which Werder can be proud of their effort.
Shakhtar took the lead via a counter five minutes before the half hour as Răzvan Raţ sent a long ball to Luiz Adriano, who flicked over Werder keeper Tim Wiese. Only ten minute later the match was level on a soft goal as Naldo's free kick from thirty metres bounced of Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov and in. For the balance of regulation time Tim Wiese was the hero of Werder's day saving a few notable attempts but otherwise the Shahktar keeper had an easier night. The Ukrainian side claimed the trophy via a goal seven minutes into added time as Darijo Srna sent a perfect cross from the right corner to Jadson, who fired the ball in off Tim Wiese's mitts from twelve metres. Despite efforts to level it wasn't to be be and the match ended in defeat.
There was naturally the faces of dejection all around. The disappointment of defeat is of-course, natural yet through it all it was a brilliant run in which Werder can be proud of their effort.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Werder walks through match against KSC
With total focus on Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Green Whites went through the motions losing 3-1 to Karlsruher SC at Weserstadion. The match offered little insight in Wedesday's finale and certainly it was looked at to be good practice run but put nothing at risk.
With Sebastian Boenisch, Clemens Fritz, Mesut Özil and Claudio Pizarro out of Thomas Schaaf’s starting eleven KSC went on the attack immediately. Needing a win to have any chance to avoid relegation, the visitors had a chance to take the lead three minutes in as Sebastian Prödl adjudged a penalty on his foul of Lars Stindl. However Marco Engelhardt's effort was held back by Tim Wiese and match remained scoreless. The reprieve aside Lars Stindl rounded out a double before the break to give KSC the 2-0 lead. Two minutes before the half hour Stefano Celozzi's from the right was headed in by the striker to the left corner and nine minutes later he drilled the ball in from just outside the area. Prior to a late consolation goal for Werder, KSC extended its lead ten minutes after the break as Sebastian Freis' pulled the ball back from the byline to Alexander Iashvili who scored from the edge of the six-yard box. With seventeen minutes Mesut Özil's split KSC's defenders putting through Hugo Almeida, who first attempt was saved but was able to turn the rebound in quickly. While Werder missed a late attempt, the match was without any intensity as all all eyes are turned towards Wednesday.
With Sebastian Boenisch, Clemens Fritz, Mesut Özil and Claudio Pizarro out of Thomas Schaaf’s starting eleven KSC went on the attack immediately. Needing a win to have any chance to avoid relegation, the visitors had a chance to take the lead three minutes in as Sebastian Prödl adjudged a penalty on his foul of Lars Stindl. However Marco Engelhardt's effort was held back by Tim Wiese and match remained scoreless. The reprieve aside Lars Stindl rounded out a double before the break to give KSC the 2-0 lead. Two minutes before the half hour Stefano Celozzi's from the right was headed in by the striker to the left corner and nine minutes later he drilled the ball in from just outside the area. Prior to a late consolation goal for Werder, KSC extended its lead ten minutes after the break as Sebastian Freis' pulled the ball back from the byline to Alexander Iashvili who scored from the edge of the six-yard box. With seventeen minutes Mesut Özil's split KSC's defenders putting through Hugo Almeida, who first attempt was saved but was able to turn the rebound in quickly. While Werder missed a late attempt, the match was without any intensity as all all eyes are turned towards Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Werder Bremen slaughters Frankfurt 5-0
After completely destroying rivals HSV, the Green Whites slaughtered Frankfurt 5-0 in front of their boisterous home fans. With firm plans for a top half of the table finish as well as bearing down on the DFB Pokal and UEFA Cup titles, Werder is peaking at the right time.
After a scoreless half, the match turned into target practice for Werder as they tore through the Frankfurt net five times in twenty-six minutes. Five minutes into the new half Frankfurt's Patrick Ochs was shown a red-card for his challenge Mesut Özil, resulting in Torsten Frings converting from the spot. Prior the goal Frankfurt was a formidable opponent and in-truth was the aggressor. However with the man advantage the slaughter began as Frings doubled the margin five minutes later drilling the ball in from the edge of the area. Everything was going wrong for Frankfurt now as a minute later Mesut Özil's free-kick was sent in by Alexandros Tziolis. Only two minutes later a long ball through the left channel was crossed by Özil into the box with Claudio Pizarro volleying in to make it 4-0, a stunning four goals in eleven minutes. Hugo Almeida added the fifth and final goal with thirteen minutes left as he struck a free-kick from just over twenty metres in.
After a scoreless half, the match turned into target practice for Werder as they tore through the Frankfurt net five times in twenty-six minutes. Five minutes into the new half Frankfurt's Patrick Ochs was shown a red-card for his challenge Mesut Özil, resulting in Torsten Frings converting from the spot. Prior the goal Frankfurt was a formidable opponent and in-truth was the aggressor. However with the man advantage the slaughter began as Frings doubled the margin five minutes later drilling the ball in from the edge of the area. Everything was going wrong for Frankfurt now as a minute later Mesut Özil's free-kick was sent in by Alexandros Tziolis. Only two minutes later a long ball through the left channel was crossed by Özil into the box with Claudio Pizarro volleying in to make it 4-0, a stunning four goals in eleven minutes. Hugo Almeida added the fifth and final goal with thirteen minutes left as he struck a free-kick from just over twenty metres in.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Werder wins Nord derby again
The Green Whites complete domination of HSV continued as they defeated their nord rivals for the second time in three days 2-0.
A full house at Weserstadion enjoyed the next series of Nord derby, with Werder taking out their frustration on the visitors in well controlled fashion as Hugo Almeida hit for both goals. Following the match Klaus Allofs proclaimed the obvious:
"We are the winner from of these match-ups. We felt beforehand like the 'Number one in the North' and we still are."
Despite being without Clemens Fritz, Sebastian Boenisch, Per Mertesacker and Diego r Thomas Schaaf’s side stomped all over Hamburg from the start. After a Markus Rosenberg effort slammed off the post at the quarter-hour, Werder took the lead eleven minute from the break as the Swede's turned provide on the counter, crossing for Hugo Almeida to finish from close range. After the break it was Mesut Özil's turn to be provider as he set up Almeida for number two of the day a few minutes into the new half. Up by two goals Werder showed a disciplined style of play that kept HSV out of the final third and sealed the 2-0 win.
A full house at Weserstadion enjoyed the next series of Nord derby, with Werder taking out their frustration on the visitors in well controlled fashion as Hugo Almeida hit for both goals. Following the match Klaus Allofs proclaimed the obvious:
"We are the winner from of these match-ups. We felt beforehand like the 'Number one in the North' and we still are."
Despite being without Clemens Fritz, Sebastian Boenisch, Per Mertesacker and Diego r Thomas Schaaf’s side stomped all over Hamburg from the start. After a Markus Rosenberg effort slammed off the post at the quarter-hour, Werder took the lead eleven minute from the break as the Swede's turned provide on the counter, crossing for Hugo Almeida to finish from close range. After the break it was Mesut Özil's turn to be provider as he set up Almeida for number two of the day a few minutes into the new half. Up by two goals Werder showed a disciplined style of play that kept HSV out of the final third and sealed the 2-0 win.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Werder defeats Hamburg 3-2 to advance to finals of UEFA Cup
Despite being done a goal heading into second-leg of the UEFA Cup the Green Whites stormed into the Volksparkstadion and defeated HSV 3-2 to advance to the finals on aggregate. Werder will now face Ukraine side Shakhtar Donetsk in the finals on 20 May in Istanbul.
Werder posed the first threat of the day as twelve minutes in Claudio Pizarro sent Sebastian Boenisch's cross from right over the bar from close range. However a minute later as Joris Mathijsen supplied the always dangerous Ivica Olić a perfect through ball with the Croatian international driving into the net past keeper Tim Wiese. Just before the thirtieth minute Diego and Claudio Pizzaro linked up with the former sending the ball over Frank Rost to square the match. Both sides came close before break but most concerning was Diego receiving a yellow-card, disqualifying him for the final. After the break the fast-pace continued, with Werder dodging a bullet when Jonathan Pitroipa couldn't turn-in Marcell Jansen's low cross. Six minutes past the hour when Claudio Pizzaro drove from the circle and struck a soft goal from twenty-five plus metres to make it 2-1, tying the aggregate. With seven minutes left a peculiar incident occurred as a simple backpass was thrown off-course from a object thrown onto the pitch, resulting in a corner. From the resulting corner, Hugo Almeida flicked on the ball for Frank Baumann to head in for a confident 3-1 lead. Four minutes later Ivica Olić came roaring back to bring the match 3-2. In the final moments Hugo Almeida got into a modest pushing match with Jerome Boateng, earning a yellow card and like Diego will miss the final. That aside the match finished with Werder leaving with the win and making plans for Istanbul.
Werder posed the first threat of the day as twelve minutes in Claudio Pizarro sent Sebastian Boenisch's cross from right over the bar from close range. However a minute later as Joris Mathijsen supplied the always dangerous Ivica Olić a perfect through ball with the Croatian international driving into the net past keeper Tim Wiese. Just before the thirtieth minute Diego and Claudio Pizzaro linked up with the former sending the ball over Frank Rost to square the match. Both sides came close before break but most concerning was Diego receiving a yellow-card, disqualifying him for the final. After the break the fast-pace continued, with Werder dodging a bullet when Jonathan Pitroipa couldn't turn-in Marcell Jansen's low cross. Six minutes past the hour when Claudio Pizzaro drove from the circle and struck a soft goal from twenty-five plus metres to make it 2-1, tying the aggregate. With seven minutes left a peculiar incident occurred as a simple backpass was thrown off-course from a object thrown onto the pitch, resulting in a corner. From the resulting corner, Hugo Almeida flicked on the ball for Frank Baumann to head in for a confident 3-1 lead. Four minutes later Ivica Olić came roaring back to bring the match 3-2. In the final moments Hugo Almeida got into a modest pushing match with Jerome Boateng, earning a yellow card and like Diego will miss the final. That aside the match finished with Werder leaving with the win and making plans for Istanbul.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Köln defeats Bremen 1-0
Laden with injuries the Green Whites dropped 1-0 to Köln. With total focus on the second leg of the UEFA Cup against Hamburg, Thomas Schaaf choose a smaller squad with Torsten Frings, Diego, Mesut Özil and Hugo Almeida out although many question if they were bypassing the importance of the match.
While Werder were able to create a few early chances, the match was definitely lacking in attacking creativity, general flow of play and had all the makings of a friendly. After an hour of vapid play Milivoje Novakovič sent in Nemanja Vučićević's perfect diagonal cross from a metre out for the decisive goal. The only notable Werder highlight was the introduction of promising twenty year-old Timo Perthel with eighteen minutes left.
Thomas Schaaf said after the loss
"I am unsatisfied with the loss. We started the game well and created some chances which we didn't use. And we wanted to improve that in the second half. But we lost our concentration after giving up the goal and never found the calmness to get back into the game."
While Werder were able to create a few early chances, the match was definitely lacking in attacking creativity, general flow of play and had all the makings of a friendly. After an hour of vapid play Milivoje Novakovič sent in Nemanja Vučićević's perfect diagonal cross from a metre out for the decisive goal. The only notable Werder highlight was the introduction of promising twenty year-old Timo Perthel with eighteen minutes left.
Thomas Schaaf said after the loss
"I am unsatisfied with the loss. We started the game well and created some chances which we didn't use. And we wanted to improve that in the second half. But we lost our concentration after giving up the goal and never found the calmness to get back into the game."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Werder drop opening UEFA Cup semi-final 1-0 to Hamburg
The Green Whites fell victim to Martin Jol's HSV 1-0 at Weserstadion in the first-leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final clash.
In the second of the four Nord-derby "fests", HSV were in clear control of the opening half and took the lead just before the half-hour when Piotr Trochowski headed Guy Demel's cross to the far upper right corner. After being well out-played Werder started to gain composure but as echoed by Klaus Allofs, "This was just not our day today" and the final touches weren't there. In the final twenty minutes of the match Werder had match saving chances but both Markus Rosenberg and Claudio Pizzaro couldn't put the ball in the net.
Following the match Thomas Schaaf summarized the performance:
"We have to realise that a game consists of two halves. And you have to play your best in both."
One "away" goal down, Werder gets its chance to advance to the finals in Hamburg on 7 May.
In the second of the four Nord-derby "fests", HSV were in clear control of the opening half and took the lead just before the half-hour when Piotr Trochowski headed Guy Demel's cross to the far upper right corner. After being well out-played Werder started to gain composure but as echoed by Klaus Allofs, "This was just not our day today" and the final touches weren't there. In the final twenty minutes of the match Werder had match saving chances but both Markus Rosenberg and Claudio Pizzaro couldn't put the ball in the net.
Following the match Thomas Schaaf summarized the performance:
"We have to realise that a game consists of two halves. And you have to play your best in both."
One "away" goal down, Werder gets its chance to advance to the finals in Hamburg on 7 May.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Green Whites overcome Bochum
Mimicking their entire season, the Green Whites came back late with three unanswered goals to defeat Bochum 3-2 at Weserstadion. While Werder's Europa League hopes rest in its ongoing efforts in the UEFA Cup and the DFB Pokal, the late push has club targeting a top eight finish.
The day didn't start out well as Werder definitely didn't approach Bochum with the caution they deserved. Just down the A1, Werder's southern neighbours can pose considerable problems and have been one of the best performing sides since the start of the Rückrunde. After Markus Rosenberg came close to opening the scoring, Bochum took the lead at the sixteenth minute as Christoph Dabrowski got in-between a pass from Torsten Frings with the loose ball coming to Marc Pfertzel. Quickly sending the ball through to Stanislav Šesták on his right, the Slovakian international got behind Naldo and drove the ball through Tim Weise's legs and in. If you were to doubt the quality of Bochum or that matter Šesták, that changed a minute before the break as he scored his second of the day. Following a Werder corner that Dabrowski cleared, Šesták received the ball in his own end, navigated through stationary Green-White defenders before sending the ball in. The 39,000 in attendance let Werder know how they felt their performance ranked as they went off a the break and as the new half begin the momentum shifted quickly. Nine minutes in, Werder brought the match within one in a calm practice-grounds goal. Initiated with Diego linking up Mesut Özil who then dealt the ball to Markus Rosenberg on the far right, the striker crossed low to Hugo Almeida who redirected the ball in from a few metres. The Bochumer side were under pressure and with twenty minutes left Naldo leveled the match as he was returned the ball from Özil and after moving to his right struck the ball to the far right corner from just outside the area. Traffic was completely one way now and with nine minutes left Diego struck the winner from seven metres as he collected a high ball into the box, with virtually no challenge from Bochum and turned to volley into the net. Up 3-2 now, Werder had a chance to add to the lead but it wasn't to be and the match ended without additional scoring.
The day didn't start out well as Werder definitely didn't approach Bochum with the caution they deserved. Just down the A1, Werder's southern neighbours can pose considerable problems and have been one of the best performing sides since the start of the Rückrunde. After Markus Rosenberg came close to opening the scoring, Bochum took the lead at the sixteenth minute as Christoph Dabrowski got in-between a pass from Torsten Frings with the loose ball coming to Marc Pfertzel. Quickly sending the ball through to Stanislav Šesták on his right, the Slovakian international got behind Naldo and drove the ball through Tim Weise's legs and in. If you were to doubt the quality of Bochum or that matter Šesták, that changed a minute before the break as he scored his second of the day. Following a Werder corner that Dabrowski cleared, Šesták received the ball in his own end, navigated through stationary Green-White defenders before sending the ball in. The 39,000 in attendance let Werder know how they felt their performance ranked as they went off a the break and as the new half begin the momentum shifted quickly. Nine minutes in, Werder brought the match within one in a calm practice-grounds goal. Initiated with Diego linking up Mesut Özil who then dealt the ball to Markus Rosenberg on the far right, the striker crossed low to Hugo Almeida who redirected the ball in from a few metres. The Bochumer side were under pressure and with twenty minutes left Naldo leveled the match as he was returned the ball from Özil and after moving to his right struck the ball to the far right corner from just outside the area. Traffic was completely one way now and with nine minutes left Diego struck the winner from seven metres as he collected a high ball into the box, with virtually no challenge from Bochum and turned to volley into the net. Up 3-2 now, Werder had a chance to add to the lead but it wasn't to be and the match ended without additional scoring.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Green Whites move to Pokal final
The Green Whites took another step towards the DFB Pokal as they defeated Nord derby rivals Hamburg 4-2 on penalties. With the victory Werder advances to the DFB Pokal final at the Olmypiastadion on 30 May.
Thomas Schaaf's side took the lead eleven minutes in as Diego's free-kick from the edge of the left side of the box was pushed back at the last gasp by HSV 'keeper Frank Rost but the rebound was pounded in by German international Per Mertesacker from close range. HSV brought the match level seven minutes past the hour when on a fast counter Ivica Olić's effort was saved by Tim Wiese but the rebound came out left to Guy Demel. His quick shot was re-directed by Olić in to square the match up.
Without further scoring the match headed to extra-time and still thirty additional minutes the match headed to penalties. Although Joris Mathijsen converted for HSV, one after another Tim Wiese denied Jérôme Boateng, Ivica Olić and Marcell Jansen while Claudio Pizarro, Mesut Özil and Torsten Frings converted. Werder now has the chance to win the DFB Pokal for the first time since their victory over Alemannia Aachen in 2004.
Thomas Schaaf's side took the lead eleven minutes in as Diego's free-kick from the edge of the left side of the box was pushed back at the last gasp by HSV 'keeper Frank Rost but the rebound was pounded in by German international Per Mertesacker from close range. HSV brought the match level seven minutes past the hour when on a fast counter Ivica Olić's effort was saved by Tim Wiese but the rebound came out left to Guy Demel. His quick shot was re-directed by Olić in to square the match up.
Without further scoring the match headed to extra-time and still thirty additional minutes the match headed to penalties. Although Joris Mathijsen converted for HSV, one after another Tim Wiese denied Jérôme Boateng, Ivica Olić and Marcell Jansen while Claudio Pizarro, Mesut Özil and Torsten Frings converted. Werder now has the chance to win the DFB Pokal for the first time since their victory over Alemannia Aachen in 2004.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Werder gives away points
Following the Green-Whites advance in the UEFA Cup against Italian side Udinese, many thought a let-up might be in the horizon domestically. With Thomas Schaaf preparing for the DFB Pokal against HSV on Wednesday, it was unclear how the club would respond against in the capital on Sunday. Sporting a near full lineup of regulars Werder lost a narrow 2-1 decision at the Olympiastadion, dotted with a series of costly errors. Given the Green-Whites chances to win a Europa League berth are limited to winning the UEFA Cup or the Pokal, some might not be so critical with the loss however these points were given away with poor defending errors.
The match was packed with scoring chances and numerous efforts on the goal but finishing was well off the mark and both goalkeepers weren't forced into many saves. After a series of misses Werder took the lead with two minutes left in the half when Torsten Frings' corner fell into the box and in the scrum Per Mertesacker was credited with pushing it over the line. The Berliners leveled the match with twenty minutes remaining as Hungarian international Pál Dárdai cross from the left was somehow turned-in by Josip Šimunić to the far corner. Werder was definitely low on petrol as with three minutes left a defensive miscue led to Naldo feeding the ball to Raffael who scored from just outside the box to make it 2-1.
Manager Klaus Allofs said of the loss:
"I am really mad. I do not like to lose. And this game meant a lot to me. We had not lost in Berlin in a long time. And we wanted to collect some points again in the Bundesliga and continue our streak."
The match was packed with scoring chances and numerous efforts on the goal but finishing was well off the mark and both goalkeepers weren't forced into many saves. After a series of misses Werder took the lead with two minutes left in the half when Torsten Frings' corner fell into the box and in the scrum Per Mertesacker was credited with pushing it over the line. The Berliners leveled the match with twenty minutes remaining as Hungarian international Pál Dárdai cross from the left was somehow turned-in by Josip Šimunić to the far corner. Werder was definitely low on petrol as with three minutes left a defensive miscue led to Naldo feeding the ball to Raffael who scored from just outside the box to make it 2-1.
Manager Klaus Allofs said of the loss:
"I am really mad. I do not like to lose. And this game meant a lot to me. We had not lost in Berlin in a long time. And we wanted to collect some points again in the Bundesliga and continue our streak."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Green Whites advance
The Green-Whites advance through the UEFA Cup continued as they withstood attack-savvy Udinese in a 3-3 draw to win 6-4 in aggregate. This sets up an all-Germany semi-final against Hamburg but equally a particular combination of the two northern rivals meeting four times in three weeks.
After taking a strong 3-1 at home was expecting an all-out onslaught by the Serie A squad and only fifteen minutes in that was clear as Gökhan Inler opened the scoring for Udinese driving the ball from twenty-five metres just over Tim Wiese's outstretched hands. Werder brought the match level on the half-hour as Diego took advantage of Cristián Zapata defending error to steal the ball and move into the box before turning and firing the ball past Udinese 'keeper Samir Handanovič. That scoreline didn't last long as within ten minutes Italian international Fabio Quagliarella latched onto a perfect through pass by Giovanni Pasquale down the left channel before chipping the ball in. Taking control of the match Quagliarella made it 3-1, erasing Werders aggregate lead seven minutes before the break as he chested down Gökhan İnler smooth chip before turning and volleying the ball into the net from the edge of the area. After withstanding pressure by the hosts Werder took the lead just before the hour mark as Hugo Almeida effort hit the cross bar and was headed just over the line by Diego. Leading the aggregate by one, Diego had a chance to seal it away from the spot with seventeen minutes left but Diego's effort was denied by Samir Handanovič. However a minute later the Green-Whites brought the match level as Claudio Pizzaro flicked the ball in from close range via a corner. Udinese continued to press for another goal but failed as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
After taking a strong 3-1 at home was expecting an all-out onslaught by the Serie A squad and only fifteen minutes in that was clear as Gökhan Inler opened the scoring for Udinese driving the ball from twenty-five metres just over Tim Wiese's outstretched hands. Werder brought the match level on the half-hour as Diego took advantage of Cristián Zapata defending error to steal the ball and move into the box before turning and firing the ball past Udinese 'keeper Samir Handanovič. That scoreline didn't last long as within ten minutes Italian international Fabio Quagliarella latched onto a perfect through pass by Giovanni Pasquale down the left channel before chipping the ball in. Taking control of the match Quagliarella made it 3-1, erasing Werders aggregate lead seven minutes before the break as he chested down Gökhan İnler smooth chip before turning and volleying the ball into the net from the edge of the area. After withstanding pressure by the hosts Werder took the lead just before the hour mark as Hugo Almeida effort hit the cross bar and was headed just over the line by Diego. Leading the aggregate by one, Diego had a chance to seal it away from the spot with seventeen minutes left but Diego's effort was denied by Samir Handanovič. However a minute later the Green-Whites brought the match level as Claudio Pizzaro flicked the ball in from close range via a corner. Udinese continued to press for another goal but failed as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Werder holds Leverkusen to draw
While Leverkusen's temporarily plays its home matches in Düsseldorf, the rest of Bundesliga might want to consider petitioning them to stay there. Since the temporary move took place this January the once-championship hopeful side has been unable to win at "home" and fallen well off pace. This continued as the Green-Whites played Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw in a match they dominated for long periods.
Coming off the 3-1 UEFA Cup victory over Udinese, Thomas Schaaf was faced with a series of difficult decisions. For Werder, the domestic season is in-essence for "pride" now. Chances of winning a European spot through a top six finish in the Bundesliga are very unlikely and the only real opportunity is through winning the DFB Pokal or the UEFA Cup. Few would have blamed him if he would have sensibly laid out his rationale and played a safer style, saving some energy for later in the week or at least keeping things under control.
Any notion of that was cast aside as Werder played Leverkusen with everything they got and effectively bled out their hosts of a European berth with the draw. Although the Green-Whites controlled the early play, Leverkusen took the lead eleven minutes in as Tranquillo Barnetta connected from eighteen metres via the talented Toni Kroos' provision. Werder came storming back and after a early chance didn't fall their way Aaron Hunt crossed for Claudio Pizzaro's point-blank finish. The Green-Whites had a chance to win late as Clemens Fritz slammed the ball off the post with fifteen minutes left as the match ended in a draw.
Coming off the 3-1 UEFA Cup victory over Udinese, Thomas Schaaf was faced with a series of difficult decisions. For Werder, the domestic season is in-essence for "pride" now. Chances of winning a European spot through a top six finish in the Bundesliga are very unlikely and the only real opportunity is through winning the DFB Pokal or the UEFA Cup. Few would have blamed him if he would have sensibly laid out his rationale and played a safer style, saving some energy for later in the week or at least keeping things under control.
Any notion of that was cast aside as Werder played Leverkusen with everything they got and effectively bled out their hosts of a European berth with the draw. Although the Green-Whites controlled the early play, Leverkusen took the lead eleven minutes in as Tranquillo Barnetta connected from eighteen metres via the talented Toni Kroos' provision. Werder came storming back and after a early chance didn't fall their way Aaron Hunt crossed for Claudio Pizzaro's point-blank finish. The Green-Whites had a chance to win late as Clemens Fritz slammed the ball off the post with fifteen minutes left as the match ended in a draw.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Werder defeats Udinese 3-1
With eight remaining weeks in the Bundesliga season Green Whites are heading one of their worst years in decade. However finding the silver lining amongst the dark clouds, Thomas Schaaf and Klaus Allofs could very well save their their long-standing positions with a successful run through the UEFA Cup
As HSV was dispatching Manchester City with ease, the UEFA Cup semi-final moved closer to an all Deutschland showdown as Werder pulverized Italian side Udinese 3-1 at the Weserstadion. High profile matches usually bring out the best in "the best" and that certainly was the case as Diego put the weight of Werder's season on his back and lead them to victory. After Naldo hammered a free-kick off the post, his countryman Diego sounded the charge with a slick move in the final third of the pitch before rifling the ball into the netting. After taking the one goal lead the match was turned to a simmer with much of the action contained from box to box via quality defending fundamentals. The Italian side came out of the break with a spark and were clearly playing up-tempo with Azzurri capped Fabio Quagliarella dangerous with every touch. However it was the oft-rumoured Juventus bound Diego who doubled the margin seven minutes after the hour as he snapped up a loose ball and curled a perfectly placed shot behind the Bianconeri Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovič and into the back of the net. Only two minutes later Werder increased the aggregate total as Hugo Almeida was left unchecked and quickly made it 3-0. Setting sail on cruise with Thomas Schaaf bringing in Aaron Hunt, Peter Niemeyer and Petri Pasanen for Hugo Almeida (71), Mesut Özil (76) Sebastian Boenisch (81), Werder was looking to close the match out without any problems. However the Udinese side wasn't privy to their plans as Antonio Floro Flores provided Quagliarella the ball with a smooth back-heel before the Italian international plundered Tim Weise's goal with four minutes remaining to bring the match to 3-1. While Werder is naturally pleased with the victory the "away" goal is reason for concern as they head to next weeks second leg.
As HSV was dispatching Manchester City with ease, the UEFA Cup semi-final moved closer to an all Deutschland showdown as Werder pulverized Italian side Udinese 3-1 at the Weserstadion. High profile matches usually bring out the best in "the best" and that certainly was the case as Diego put the weight of Werder's season on his back and lead them to victory. After Naldo hammered a free-kick off the post, his countryman Diego sounded the charge with a slick move in the final third of the pitch before rifling the ball into the netting. After taking the one goal lead the match was turned to a simmer with much of the action contained from box to box via quality defending fundamentals. The Italian side came out of the break with a spark and were clearly playing up-tempo with Azzurri capped Fabio Quagliarella dangerous with every touch. However it was the oft-rumoured Juventus bound Diego who doubled the margin seven minutes after the hour as he snapped up a loose ball and curled a perfectly placed shot behind the Bianconeri Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovič and into the back of the net. Only two minutes later Werder increased the aggregate total as Hugo Almeida was left unchecked and quickly made it 3-0. Setting sail on cruise with Thomas Schaaf bringing in Aaron Hunt, Peter Niemeyer and Petri Pasanen for Hugo Almeida (71), Mesut Özil (76) Sebastian Boenisch (81), Werder was looking to close the match out without any problems. However the Udinese side wasn't privy to their plans as Antonio Floro Flores provided Quagliarella the ball with a smooth back-heel before the Italian international plundered Tim Weise's goal with four minutes remaining to bring the match to 3-1. While Werder is naturally pleased with the victory the "away" goal is reason for concern as they head to next weeks second leg.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Pizza delivery for Nordderby
The Green Whites returned from the international break with gusto in the Nordderby, defeating Hannover 4-1 at Weserstadion.With the vision of maintaining the tradition of pounding 96 senseless, Werder took the lead with four minutes remaining in the opening half as Claudio Pizarro scored his first of three goals as he took a pass from Diego and drove the ball in from outside the box. On the hour Sergio Pinto was adjudged to fouling Mesut Özil in the area but Diego couldn't connect from the spot. Sensing a misguided opportunity to be Werder's equal, Hannover leveled the match as Jacek Krzynówek scored with twenty-one minutes remaining. With the match now level, Werder made short work of drilling three kick goals in seven minutes and sending 96 closer to Bundesliga 2. Starting with Diego's goal, via Alexandros Tziolis provision, Werder had the 2-1 lead with thirteen minutes remaining. Only three minutes later Claudio Pizarro made it 3-1 via a set piece as he headed the ball in from point-blank range. Still thirsting for more goals, Pizza sent the few thousand Hannover fans home disappointed as he made it 4-1 with six minutes left as he turned in Mesut Özil's cross.
Photo Credit Sportverein Werder Bremen von 1899 e. V.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Green Whites Nordderby challenge
With a two week absence following the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Dortmund the Green Whites return facing Hannover 96 in the Nordderby.
The long difficult year for Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf has both their long tenures with Werder in jeopardy as they sit in the bottom half of the table. During the remaining two months it is imperative that they regain form or not only these two fixtures in the club could lose their positions but a number of players as well.
The Nordderby at Weserstadion has not been much of the match for the past few years as Werder as completely dominated Hannover. Along with Hannover being the worst team on the road in the Bundesliga and a bad injury situation they are now in the midst of a relegation battle, which is incredible since many thought they were capable of a top-six finish.
However Werder is in no position to ridicule another team, even if it be a local rival. They will need to apply themselves with focus or Hannover will reverse this trend. For those who are familiar with this match tension runs high, to say the least and Werder must be careful of a wounded side playing beyond their abilities.
Thomas Schaaf has only one absence, that being Danish international Daniel Jensen whereas Hannover is missing "Jan Schlaudraff, Michael Tarnat, Frank Fahrenhorst, Vinícius, Steven Cherundolo, Valérien Ismaël are all out along with Chavdar Yankov who is doubtful".
The long difficult year for Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf has both their long tenures with Werder in jeopardy as they sit in the bottom half of the table. During the remaining two months it is imperative that they regain form or not only these two fixtures in the club could lose their positions but a number of players as well.
The Nordderby at Weserstadion has not been much of the match for the past few years as Werder as completely dominated Hannover. Along with Hannover being the worst team on the road in the Bundesliga and a bad injury situation they are now in the midst of a relegation battle, which is incredible since many thought they were capable of a top-six finish.
However Werder is in no position to ridicule another team, even if it be a local rival. They will need to apply themselves with focus or Hannover will reverse this trend. For those who are familiar with this match tension runs high, to say the least and Werder must be careful of a wounded side playing beyond their abilities.
Thomas Schaaf has only one absence, that being Danish international Daniel Jensen whereas Hannover is missing "Jan Schlaudraff, Michael Tarnat, Frank Fahrenhorst, Vinícius, Steven Cherundolo, Valérien Ismaël are all out along with Chavdar Yankov who is doubtful".
Saturday, March 21, 2009
unnötiger Niederlage
Following the Green Whites victory over Stuttgart, the sentiment around Bremen was of the resurgent play of Thomas Schaaf's men and hope for victory over Dortmund. However those hopes were denied in a very disappointing 1-0 loss at Westfalenstadion.From the start of the match it was clear that BVB was going to take the edge of the match and grind the pace down. Playing behind the ball for much of the match, the home side seemed more committed to adding another draw at home as opposed to a win. Difficult to call an "exciting" match, the Green Whites should have had the lead nine minutes before the break when Mesut Özil crossed to Claudio Pizzaro in-close but his effort rang off the crossbar. After the break Werder lacked an attacking spirit and the hosts took the lead four minutes past the hour when the Sebastian Boenisch was adjudged to bringing down Nelson Valdez in the area the spot was pointed to. Alexander Frei converted with ease and the hosts had a 1-0 lead. Following the goal Thomas Schaaf brought in Daniel Jensen, Martin Harnik und Aaron Hunt looking for the equalizer but as close as they could get they will couldn't find a way past BVB goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller and lost 1-0.
Following the match Klaus Allofs was very straight to the point in criticizing players with the let-up. With the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, Werder must find the instinct of champion to press on towards the trophy.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Green Whites advance in the UEFA Cup
Following the 4-0 demolition of Stuttgart, the Green Whites continued their resurgence with a 2-2 draw to Saint-Étienne, enough to see them through to the next round.
After winning 1-0 at Weser-Stadion in disappointing fashion, Werder was facing a tough task against a motivated French side. However Thomas Schaaf's starting eleven came out determined at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, and took the lead only six minutes into the match off of Sebastian Prödl goal. The much maligned Austrian international displayed his noteworthy aerial ability as he rose high to nod in Torsten Frings corner. Werder continued to press the pedal down and three minutes before the half hour Mesut Özil swung the ball from the left wing to Claudio Pizarro and the Peruvian striker headed it in to make it 2-0. While Werder missed a number of quality chances, slowly the host French side found composure and four minutes past the hour Cédric Varrault's far-post cross was headed in by Yohan Benalouane after sloppy Werder defending to make it 2-1. With time ticking away in the second minute of added-time les Verts star Dimitri Payet played Sébastien Grax in to make it 2-2 but Werder was able to hold further chances away and advance winning the aggregate 3-2.
After winning 1-0 at Weser-Stadion in disappointing fashion, Werder was facing a tough task against a motivated French side. However Thomas Schaaf's starting eleven came out determined at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, and took the lead only six minutes into the match off of Sebastian Prödl goal. The much maligned Austrian international displayed his noteworthy aerial ability as he rose high to nod in Torsten Frings corner. Werder continued to press the pedal down and three minutes before the half hour Mesut Özil swung the ball from the left wing to Claudio Pizarro and the Peruvian striker headed it in to make it 2-0. While Werder missed a number of quality chances, slowly the host French side found composure and four minutes past the hour Cédric Varrault's far-post cross was headed in by Yohan Benalouane after sloppy Werder defending to make it 2-1. With time ticking away in the second minute of added-time les Verts star Dimitri Payet played Sébastien Grax in to make it 2-2 but Werder was able to hold further chances away and advance winning the aggregate 3-2.
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