Mintal on target in farewell game
Nürnberg recorded a 4-2 victory against last seasons double winners Borussia Dortmund and see off Marek Mintal in an appropriate fashion.
It was a worthy farewell game for such an established player. FCN managed a 4-2 win against last year’s double winners Borussia Dortmund in front of 31,051 spectators. Marek Mintal, who led the team onto the pitch as the captain, was on target himself, as he was given a memorable farewell in the Nürnberger Stadium.
Both teams were not in full strength, as several players are still on holiday following the European Championships campaign or currently residing with the national teams in preparation for the Olympic Games in London. This did not, however, affect both teams desire to show offensive football. Dortmund had the better start to the game, as new signing Leonardo Bittencourt put the current Bundesliga champions in the lead after 14 minutes.
FCN not impressed
Nürnberg did not appear impressed by the early set back and continued to push forward in search of the equaliser. Roussel Ngankam had the first big chance for the hosts, as Timothy Chandler found a way through on the right side against Großkreutz and Löwe before supplying the new signing with an inch-perfect cross – Ngankam’s header however, did not find the back of the net. The equaliser fell shortly afterwards, as Robert Mak’s free-kick sailed to the far post, where Hanno Balitsch managed to convert from short range (29’).
It was a deserved equaliser for Nürnberg, as they gave Dortmund a real run for their money in this friendly game. A very entertaining match ensued and both teams managed to produce a number of opportunities. The highlight of the first half came shortly before the halftime whistle, when Alexander Esswein was brought down in the area and referee Deniz Aytekin pointed towards the penalty spot. The fans loudly requested for Mintal to step up and so he did, converting the penalty kick comfortably and giving Nürnberg a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Plenty changes in 2nd half
Both teams required some time in the second half, before finding their rhythm. Nürnberg coach Dieter Hecking had made three substitutions at halftime, while Dortmund kept their formation from the first 45 minutes. Eventually Dortmund did make use of their bench players and the Polish internationals Piszczek and Blaszczykowski immediately had an impact on the game as they brought their team back level in this encounter. Piszczek set up his fellow countryman at the edge of the area, who struck a fine shot on target, leaving Raphael Schäfter chanceless.
The noise in the stadium picked up again at exactly 17.30 CET, when Mintal made way for new signing Timo Gebhart. The former Bundesliga top scorer received standing ovations and a thunderous applause, as he left the pitch and took a lap of honour. Once things had settled back down again the action on the pitch resumed. Nürnberg retook their lead in the 70th minute, as substitute Sebastian Polter profited from a Neven Subotic mistake to mark the 3-2.
Dortmund were reluctant to accept defeat and kept charging at Nürnberg, but the defence including Marcos Antonio showed a very solid performance in this game. Mike Frantz concluded a memorable game with his firm strike to settle the scoreline at 4-2 for FCN. It was a deserved win for Nürnberg against the current Bundesliga title holders and a memorable farewell of one of Nürnberg’s all-time greats.