He who is as yet without a ticket for the next DFB-Cup game has only got himself to blame. Werder 7:6 penalty shoot-out win over VfL Wolfsburg was more proof that Werder, like no other club, can offer highly exciting football. And that's often over 120 minutes or more. "Tonight was a 'Freimarkt' (Free market) bonus for the fans", explained manager Klaus Allofs. Headcoach Thomas Schaaf was ready to bang his sides advertising drum: "The fans who come here always get that something extra, especially in the DFB-Cup - it's an exciting tournament."
That these are not just empty words can be proved by a glance at the Werder home record in the cup during the Allofs/Schaaf era. Under this duo, Werder have played nine times at the Weser stadium in the cup , with the spectators enjoying extra-time on no less than six ocasions. Wolfsburg had to put in ovettime twice (7:6, 3:1), Eintracht Trier once, (3:1) as did VfB Lübeck (3:2), Stutgart Kickers (2:1) and FC Kaiserslautern (6:5). Only three times have Werder managed to dispose of their opponents within the ninety minutes. Bayern Leverkusen (3:2), Hertha BSC Berlin (6:1) and against BSV Ulm (2:1). Noticably, Werder won each time. Schaaf grinned: "I've no intention in revealing our secret as to how we always manage to make our games so pulsating." General manager Klaus Allofs intends to use this experience: "One becomes a distinct immunity, especially during the double winning season, there were a number of games which were decided very late on."
Still, Thomas schaaf is not overly positive about Tuesday evenings over-time: "In particular due to the strain upon us, the added time invested annoys me. We unnecessarily delayed the outcome becaused we failed to make use of our chances to score. You've just got to count the number of times we hit the woodwork." Midfield engine Torsten Frings is equally worried about his sides batteries: "It is annoying that during this phase, with so many games, that we've had to go into extra-time and that despite playing well and creating a number of chances." Torsten Frings did then hit on a more positive note: "I think it was clear tonight to see how fit we are. We can play at a high tempo for 120 minutes. There need be no more discussions as to our fitness levels." Striker Miroslav Klose touched on a slightly longer regeneration period: "Luckily today is Tuesday, so we've got an extra day to recover before the next game - if today was Wednesday the situation would be worse."
The fact that the team had to enter the lottery of a penalty shoot-out after 120 minutes of play lies on his shoulders, in the poinion of keeper Andreas Reinke. The keeper admitted: "I'd like to have saved myself the last five minutes, but these things happen - take your eye off it for a second and the ball is through."
Johnnie Muldoon