In the 2nd Bundesliga, the debut of new coach Mersad Selimbegovic for relegation-threatened FC Hansa Rostock went wrong. 1. FC Nürnberg, which is looking upwards, also cracked the FCH thanks to double packer Can Uzun.
On Saturday (January 20, 2024), Hansa Rostock lost 0:3 (0:2) to the home team in Franconia, which was stronger in all respects. Nuremberg’s 18-year-old midfield engine Can Uzun (15th, 36th) ensured a comfortable lead for FCN, who only needed eight shots on goal for three goals that day. Jens Castrop (51st) made the preliminary decision.
While coach Christian Fiel and Nuremberg are now focusing on the top group in the table and have 27 points, Rostock is slipping to second-to-last place after rival Braunschweig’s surprising victory over Kiel. Both have 17 points and a goal difference of -14, but Eintracht scored one more goal than new head coach Mersad Selimbegovic’s team. Hansa has been waiting for a goal for three games in the 2nd Bundesliga.
Sportschau, January 19, 2024 9:49 p.m
Selimbegovic commented on the Sportschau microphone after the game: “At the end of the day, Nuremberg was efficient – and we weren’t. We had more shots on goal, twice as many crosses, a lot more ball possession, more corners. But unfortunately we didn’t score what we play for, goals.” His counterpart, FCN coach Fiel, was largely satisfied: “I would have liked a little more control in the second half. But yes, defended well, kept a clean sheet, 3-0 – I think you can be happy with that.”
Double packer Uzun: dream goal and gift from Rostock
FCN talent Uzun, as a double goalscorer in the first half, almost single-handedly steered the game in the right direction for the Franconians, who initially had problems finding their way into the game against committed Rostock players. But Uzun’s flick into the corner after a quick hook while dribbling against Nico Neidhart left the visiting fans in the Max Morlock Stadium silent.
A few minutes earlier, Nuremberg had slowly but surely taken command on the pitch. Inspired by the lead, FCN continued to build steam and were secure at the back. The recently signed Sebastian Andersson was denied with a header from close range by the brilliantly reacting Hansa goalkeeper Nils Körber (23′).
Sportschau, January 19, 2024 9:49 p.m
It was a mistake on one of their own throw-ins that almost destroyed Rostock’s hope of scoring anything. Alexander Rossipal threw the ball in the direction of Damian Roßbach, but Uzun intervened, penetrated the penalty area and finished coldly from a half-right position – 2-0 for Nuremberg.
The lead was deserved, Rostock worked courageously against the FCN. But FCH left Nuremberg too much space in midfield and were unable to capitalize on their own control of the ball possession up front.
Hansa Rostock tried hard, but FCN was more effective
After the restart, the guests were of course under pressure. And Rostock pressed – Christian Kinsombi’s shot narrowly missed the goal (49′). It was the best Hansa opportunity up to that point.
During this period of pressure, however, Castrop made it 3-0 after a free kick from Enrico Valentini. In the chaos after the cross, Florian Flick finished and Castrop decisively directed the ball into the goal.
Sportschau, January 19, 2024 9:49 p.m
As a result, Hansa continued to invest a lot, reacted defiantly and in the end was even ahead in terms of shots on goal (9:8). But the guests simply didn’t create any effective offensive solutions against attentive Nuremberg players – or failed in the more promising situations due to a lack of precision.
Nuremberg in Hanover, Hansa welcomes Elversberg
The Nuremberg team are away at Hannover 96 at the start of the 19th matchday (Friday, January 26, 24, 6:30 p.m.). One day later, Hansa Rostock welcomes SV Elversberg (1 p.m.).