By Matthew Koch
Tough, long, winless. Union’s XXL test against second division team Holstein Kiel lasted 120 minutes. In the end, the guests won 2:1
The early deficit through an own goal: Union defender Josip Juranovic played a back pass to goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow. The Dane was surprised by a mistake and couldn’t get the ball (8′). Ex-Bayern star Fiete Arp scored the 0:2 in the 95th minute. Sheraldo Becker scored the honor goal with a penalty kick (111).
Coach Urs Fischer: “In the first 30 minutes we didn’t have any depth and hardly any chances. There was a lack of a move to the gate. There was a lack of efficiency in the third quarter when you have so many chances.”
Kevin Behrens was the most conspicuous Union player for a long time. The storm tank wears a new hairstyle, instead of a waving mat now so-called corn rows (German: grain rows), i.e. tightly braided pigtails that lie on the scalp.
Unusual picture: Unions Kevin Behrens with a new hairstyle Photo: City Press
The 13,014 spectators needed more patience and stamina than usual over the usual 90 minutes. Both clubs had agreed on a playing time of four times 30 minutes (i.e. 120 minutes in total) so that many professionals could get match practice.
The first quarter break lasted more than 20 minutes because referee Max Burda was injured.
Finding a replacement was difficult. Stadium announcer Christian Arbeit called out over the microphone to find an assistant in the audience. Condition: at least regional league experience.
After a long search, Gunnar Mielenz got in touch. He is a Union fan, his regular club is Friedrichshagener SV. Last season he whistled seven times in the Berlin league (ie two leagues below the regional league).
At least for him, the XXL test remains an unforgettable huge experience.