Werder, meet Defense. Defense, meet Werder Bremen.
By: Jamie |
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Ladies and gentlemen, Tim Wiese has kept the ball out of his net for 529 minutes. The match against Stuttgart represents the fourth Bundesliga clean sheet in a row for the Green-Whites – quite impressive for them. It’s not completely unheard of; the past two seasons they’ve managed three in a row. But considering Werder is not particularly known for their defending, let’s go ahead and celebrate, eh? Especially considering we actually look decent at the back and still plenty threatening up front.
Here is Captain Torsten, clearly asking his defense where they’ve been hiding for quite some time:
Next challenge: keeping Ibisevic out of our goal.
Also, the Aaron-Hunt-to-Liverpool rumor? Shot down. For now, anyway. It still brings up some interesting points. I had completely forgotten that his contract was up at the end of this season. Let’s hope Allofs works on keeping Hunt for longer. It’d be nice to keep some consistency in the side, especially because this squad finally seems to be gelling quite well together.
Scousers looking to Hunt?
By: Jamie | 2 Comments
Sorry, everyone, I’ve been so busy that I still haven’t had a chance to watch the match from this past weekend. But now that the international break is on, there’ll be plenty of time for a report and analysis before Werder are back to business.
Lately there have been rumblings about English Premier League side Liverpool being interested in our very own super in-form Aaron Hunt. There have been other rumors that they’d be interested in shipping Dutch striker Ryan Babel to us in exchange for Hunt. To which I say: pshaw, as if, whatever, all those sort of ’90s phrases.
Okay, to be honest, I haven’t seen much of Babel. I am staunchly anti-Liverpool and don’t particular enjoy watching them if I don’t have to. Babel doesn’t start many matches, which is why he’s aching for a move away from Merseyside. Hunt has become a regular starter for the Green-Whites. I just don’t see this happening, especially if our Aaron keeps performing well as he’s been doing, because each goal just puts his value up higher.
So should Werder get rid of one of their proven best players this season to bring in another youngster who could potentially be great/awful – and perhaps some extra money?
Category: Team NewsClimbing Up the Table!
By: Jamie | 5 Comments
Here’s a match that I was definitely worried about – Stuttgart have the potential to be quite dangerous, but it seems like with the loss of Mario Gomez, they have indeed lost a lot of their potency. I haven’t had a chance to watch the match yet, but it’s up on ESPN 360, so I plan to watch it tomorrow and will get back to you all with a match report. Hunt is keeping up his excellent goalscoring record, and Pizarro keeps proving what an important permanent signing he was as well.
2-0 to the Green-Whites, and almost in a Champions League position!
Here are highlights – check out ickle Marko squaring up to Mad Jens!
Category: BundesligaHighlights and Interview from Athletic Match
By: Jamie | 5 Comments
Here we go again, a video of highlights and an interview with Thomas Schaaf (really wish I could understand what he was saying about Hunt’s goal). Edit: I had to reupload this, so the Schaaf interview may be gone.
Upon rewatching, I can see that it wasn’t luck that made the ball fall for Hunt to smash into the net, it was actually a really excellent pass from Özil. And the work from Marko to win the ball and chip it over the Bilbao defense to Pizarro was absolutely lovely as well.
I do attribute the fact that Özil didn’t have his shooting boots on to him coming back from injury. He had good chances and created good chances, so he should be back on target soon.
Category: Europa LeagueEuropa League: Werder 3 – 1 Athletic Bilbao
By: Jamie | 3 Comments
The Green-Whites move to the top of Group L with a great win over their La Liga opponents. I felt a bit inspired at half-time, put together my thoughts, then continued writing as the second half progressed. So bear with me; here’s my as-the-match-happens blog:
First half thoughts:
Aaron Hunt’s goal – fantastic. Oh man. You can’t strike a volley much better than that. Prior to the goal, there was some lovely passing between the younger Werder boys (Marin, Bargfrede, Özil, Hunt) and yes, it was a bit lucky that the ball fell to Hunt, but wow. What a gorgeous strike! The keeper didn’t even get a sniff. That boy is on a roll. I’m glad to see him still in the squad with Özil, instead of just being his back-up. I guess we can thank Borowski for getting injured at the appropriate time, but that’s a bit cruel on Boro.
And the second goal was well played, too. The ball fell for Pizarro and I – along with perhaps everyone else watching the match – expected him to stuff in into the back of the net (or directly at the keeper, as is another Werder habit). He took his time getting to the ball, looked like he was setting to strike – then instead passed to Naldo (makeshift striker once again) who banged it in. Awesome.
We were fortunate to successfully get away with a few fluffs the first half. Wiese made a spectacular mess of a clearance, managing to slice the ball out of play instead of missing it completely, then made an impressive somersalt as he fell over. Then, Athletic had a brilliant chance to score, but Toquero fluffed his shot, allowing a very surprised Naldo to clear.
Side note: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was playing during half-time at the Weserstadion. Some fans are singing along. If the Green-Whites are trying to win my heart further, they are succeeding.
Second half thoughts:
Marko can’t seem to buy a goal. The guy works so hard, but he also tends to dribble right into traffic and get robbed of the ball. But, his freekicks into the box have been excellent today. Unfortunately nobody could hit any of them goalward.
Side note Part 2: The referee looks like Daniel Faraday from Lost! This is highly amusing to me.
Ridiculous – Niemeyer is on the pitch for FOUR minutes, manages to pick up a second yellow card, and is sent off. They were both nasty tackles, yes, with the slippery pitch working against Niemeyer as well. The second offense seemed a bit unfair as the Faraday-ref didn’t look like he was going to give a yellow card until he saw that the player down needed medical assistance. Now the Werder defense really have a job to do. Frustration builds quickly as Hunt is penalized for whining at Faraday-ref. Athletic show they can play dirty as well when their player goes studs-up on Marko’s ankle.
With 15 minutes to go, Schaaf takes off Marin and brings on – Rosenberg? Surely you’d want to bring on more defensive help? I am always happy for the Swede to get on the pitch, but this isn’t the substitution I would have made. But this is why I’m not the coach, I guess.
Aaaaand then, into injury time, Werder give up the inevitable goal. I don’t blame them; they were very impressive defensively, especially considering for the last 20-plus minutes they were playing with 10 men.
And at practically the last second, Werder get a penalty! Frings buries it, and we can breathe a sigh of relief for the remaining moments. 3-1 at home to the Green-Whites in what I thought was an entertaining match.
Europa League Preview: Bremen vs. Athletic Bilbao
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So, our defense starts to look relatively good for a change – and what happens? Practically our entire back line picks up injuries, of course! First, Fritz was subbed early in the match on Saturday, and Boenisch also emerged from the match complaining of a thigh injury. He’s still doubtful. Then, Per Mertesacker gives himself a great birthday present by getting a nasty cut above his eye. Fortunately, it looks like Fritz and big Per are fairly certain to play tomorrow. But let’s not have these close calls, okay guys?
Boro picked up a back injury as well and is doubtful for the Athletic match. I think we could do with giving him a rest. And apparently he was booed during the Mainz match? Come on now, ladies and gentlemen, we were winning the match; no need for booing. I mean, was he really THAT bad? I understand that you want to let the players and team know what you think of them, but I don’t advocate booing the team you support. Nice of Frings to defend his pal, though.
Athletic Bilbao have had a hard time in La Liga, most recently being demolished 4-0 by Sevilla. So they’ll either be vulnerable to attack or they’ll be really incredibly hungry for a result. I’m guessing the latter.
Weekend round-up
By: Jamie | 1 Comment
Thank you, Werder, for breaking this streak of 0-0 draws that you were threatening to continue. It took over half an hour, but the goals started flowing on Sunday against Mainz. 3-0 to the Green-Whites with two lads in fine form lately getting the goals: Hunt scored the opener and Pizarro bagged a brace.
And that’s three clean sheets in a row in the league? (Knock on wood.) Werder defense, take a bow while you can!
This is a quick, fairly undetailed match report as I was unable to watch the match. But I am pleased to see goals going in again. This brings us up to fifth in the table, ahead of reigning champs Wolfsburg on goal difference.
In other news, Werder have drawn Kaiserslautern at home in the next round of the DFB-Pokal. This match will be played at the end of October (either the 27th or 28th). I am rather excited about this one; can’t really say why. Maybe I have a soft spot for Kaiserslautern because it’s the club that Miroslav Klose started with.
Bundesliga Preview: Werder Bremen vs. Mainz
By: Jamie | Add Comments
Mainz have done well on their return to the top flight – most impressively claiming the scalp of the “high and mighty” Bayern Munich. They currently sit in fifth place in the league, while Werder are hanging out in eighth. Time to step it up, Green-Whites; we need to win these kind of games in order to make it to the European spots. I’d like to see Pizarro and Marko up front again – Marko gives a bit more creativity than Rosenberg and we’ll need that if Özil is potentially absent.
We can’t underestimate Mainz. They had a good run in the Pokal last season, and they’ve only lost one match in the league so far.
Good news: Özil has been back in training, and Schaaf seems to think the outlook is good that he will play a part in the match tomorrow. Which would be even better – having Marko and Mesut back on the pitch together.
Side note: Naldo has been called up to the Brazil national team again. So well done him!
DFB-Pokal: Werder Squeak by St. Pauli
By: Jamie | 4 Comments
Well, typical Werder were back today – for better or worse, narrowly beating St. Pauli 2-1. But at least the Green-Whites came away with the win, considering how many HUGE upsets there were in the Pokal today! Hamburg, Wolfsburg, Leverkusen, Hertha? Wow.
Observations:
1. Did someone wake Torsten up in the middle of his nap to play the game? In the first half at least, he seemed to prefer ball-watching rather than doing something constructive with the ball. But he was not the only one guilty of particularly bad passing, but I did notice quite a few of his passes in particular go awry.
2. CalamiTim. Oh dear. Way to just stand and watch the ball, dear (see? ball-watching again). Was he wrong-footed? I guess he just thought it was going out but he still should have been there to make sure. Maybe I’m just being hard on him, but I think it was a preventable goal. Ah, Werder defense. Always making it harder than it has to be.
3. I really wanted Rosenberg to get a goal. I’ve talked about him a lot, I know. I think it’s because he’s Swedish. My grandma’s family is Swedish. So obviously we are kindred spirits, me and Markus. It was nice to see him get a start, along with Moreno, while Pizarro was rested on the bench. Moreno seemed to work hard but his crossing still needs a bit of work.
4. Aaron Hunt and his serial killer-esque beard scored a sweet goal. I was worried Moreno would keep going for the ball, but fortunately he left it for Hunt to blast into the net.
5. Our makeshift striker Naldo strikes again! Unfortunately I was left a bit in suspense for the last 10 minutes of the match when my stream (as usual, I was hardly surprised) died. And big Per had the assist! See, our giants in center defense can also function as the 2 strikers up front!
I could not figure out how to embed, but see the three goals here. I am off to watch highlights of the other matches cos really I’m just still shocked. The Pokal is such a great competition.
So the Green-Whites survive another day to defend their trophy while chaos reigns elsewhere (well, except in Munich)! And at least we scored a couple goals this time… not quite to the extent of the goalfest that was the Eintracht Frankfurt match, but we’ll take it!
Getting Repetitive: Werder Held 0-0 by Leverkusen
By: Jamie | 2 Comments
Oh Werder, Werder, Werder. Where have the goals gone? You have no problem scoring in Europe. But two 0-0 Bundesliga draws in a row? Sigh. I’m going to have to stop making predictions – this was not the goalfest I thought it would be!
My thoughts, in bullet points:
- Do we miss Özil that much?
- Marin is a great workhorse – it’s quite a joy to watch him zoom into the box and take a shot – give that boy another goal already! It was also rather amusing watching him attempt to go for a header against enormous Sami Hyppia.
- Leverkusen’s defense was extremely well-organized – at times it seemed like they had 22 players on the pitch rather than 11.
- Waxy Wiese (let’s face it, sometimes the man does look like he’s made of wax) was on his game, making some very good saves. Unfortunately for the Green-Whites, so was Adler.
- Both Aaron Hunt and Per Mertesacker have joined Kiessling with the beard attempts lately.
- Markus Rosenberg came back, but unfortunately couldn’t make any goals happen.
Category: Team News
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