Status: 08/14/2021 5:28 p.m.
An inspiring VfB Stuttgart, SpVgg Greuther Fürth showed the limits right at the start of the new Bundesliga season.
VfB Stuttgart – SpVgg Greuther Fürth
Image: Tom Weller / dpa
The Swabians finished the climber at high summer temperatures with 5: 1 (2: 0) and thus sat at the top of the table, at least for the time being. Captain Wataru Endo (30th minute), Philipp Klement (36th), Marc Oliver Kempf (55th / 76th) and Hamadi Al Ghaddioui (61st) scored the goals. “Oh, how beautiful it is,” sang a large part of the 18,109 spectators. Jamie Leweling (90. + 3) only managed the consolation goal for Fürth shortly before the end.
Desolate guests
The win against the defensively desolate guests should have been even higher. What VfB delivered against the new bottom of the table at a sweaty 31 degrees was also so impressive.
Despite considerable personnel concerns and without regular staff such as striker Sasa Kalajdzic (Corona), midfielder Orel Mangala (muscle problems) and winger Silas Katompa Mvumpa (cruciate ligament tear), the Swabians showed inspiring offensive football. Again and again, VfB combined through the Fürth defensive that was not suitable for the first division.
The hosts dominated the ball and the game, which was rewarded with the lead. After another combination in a confined space, Philipp Förster put the ball on Endo, who technically brilliantly chipped it into the goal via the Fürth goalkeeper Sascha Burchert.
Six minutes later, Klement, who had come into play in the 9th minute due to muscular problems from Atakan Karazor, increased with a low shot. The template for the goal was provided by Klimowicz, who had undermined the guests’ defensive chain with a fine pass. The newcomer seemed overwhelmed by the speed and offensive urge of the Stuttgarters, after a brave start, the team of coach Stefan Leitl came under increasing pressure. Captain Branimir Hrgota (10th minute) still had the best chance with a long-range shot.
Fans thrilled
What the Swabians showed, on the other hand, made the stands exuberant. Shortly before the break, the VfB fans sang “front runner, front runner”. And her team also delivered after the break, because the Fürth team made it much too easy for her. If the newcomer wants to survive in the Bundesliga, he urgently needs to get his holey defense under control. Otherwise, scenes like 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0 are likely to repeat themselves. First Kempf came free to head between two Fürthers, then Al Ghaddioui hit with his head. And even at 5-0, Kempf was able to nod off again. Borna Sosa had presented on each cross.
After that, the Stuttgart would have had to extend their lead, but they sometimes missed the best chances. Much more bitter for VfB, however, weighs the probably serious injury of Mohamed Sankoh. The 17-year-old had to be brought off the field with the stretcher after a collision with Fürth’s keeper Burchert (69th) and could be out longer.
Source: sportschau.de