The time just arrived at 19:00, and the Mirrento Stadium, St. Pauli's home stadium, was already full of seats.
As early as September 07 at the second round of the German Cup draw ceremony, St. Pauli fans had no hope for the results of today's game after the team drew the Bundesliga team Werder Bremen.
But even so, many diehard St. Pauli fans still came to support the team at home as always.
Originally, the stadium could accommodate more than 20,000 spectators. There were more than 19,000 fans of the home team St. Pauli alone, and only a little over 2,000 fans of the visiting team Werder Bremen.
"Dear viewers, good evening everyone, here is the live broadcast of the game for you by German Sports Channel."
"In the second round of the German Cup, St. Pauli played against Werder Bremen at home. I am your old friend - Akers."
"Hi! Audience, I'm your old buddy - Felix, I will explain to you with Akers for tonight's game."
The two sports channel commentators responsible for explaining the game, greeted the audience in front of the TV at the beginning of the game.
"There are still about ten minutes before the start of the game. Now we see that the two players have finished warming up and have returned to the locker room."
"That's right, the players on both sides must be listening to the head coach's pre-match tactical arrangements at this time."
"According to the news I have recently received, St. Pauli's main striker, China Yang, has returned from injury two days ago. At the pre-match press conference not long ago, the head coach Mr. Philipkowski also announced this. Yang started the game."
"Oh! Felix, I think St. Pauli fans already know that Yang has returned from injury. You announced this news too late."
"Well, well, speaking of Yang, before he was injured, he was in really hot form. He started 3 games and came off the bench, scoring 8 goals and 5 assists in total. I don't know if he can continue after his comeback. Was it in such a good state before?"
The two commentators outside were talking about Yang Cheng, and Yang Cheng himself was still in the locker room listening to coach Philipkowski's pre-match arrangements.
In order to strengthen the defense and at the same time ensure the offensive power of the frontcourt, Philipkowski stayed up for several nights some time ago before he came up with a 3-4 that evolved from 3-5-2. -1-2 formation.
Although the formation is 3-4-1-2, it is actually composed of 3 defenders, double midfielders, 3 midfielders (left and right midfielders and midfielders), and double forwards.
This formation is quite special. First of all, the 3-4-1-2 formation is a formation that emphasizes the center, with an asymmetric five-back (plus double midfielder) to limit the opponent.
In addition, this formation has extremely high requirements on the defensive midfielder. In addition to covering the gap between the opponent's two wingers and the center back, it must also have the ability to pass the ball behind and fight back.
Anyway, most formations can be said to have the function of offensive and defensive conversion, but whether they can really convert offensive and defensive depends on the player's execution ability on the field and the player's personal ability.
Just now Philipkowski also emphasized that midfielders are required to pay attention to retreating to the backcourt to participate in defense.
According to the tactical drills of the previous two days and the head coach's explanation of this tactic, this tactic is mainly based on defense in the midfield and backcourt, while the offense in the frontcourt is mainly played by two full-backs and crosses from the side.
This can reduce the frequency of players' injuries, and can also improve and use the space on the court to fight back!
"Yang, it's up to you and Nico to grab points in the penalty area and compete for the top."
"Yes, sir!"
Facing a strong Bundesliga team at home, Philipkowski didn't think about defending the tie, but wanted to counterattack and launch a sneak attack.
However, his idea is quite good, but it is not known whether it will work or not.
After all, the strength of the teammates lies there. Even if Werder Bremen are all on the bench, the overall strength is much stronger than that of St. Pauli.
"Lott, Meyer, when you get the ball, pass as many times as you have practiced before."
"Yes! Sir!"
Both of them responded in unison.
"Okay, that's it, everyone, think about what I just said first, and prepare to go on stage when the staff comes to notify you."
After finishing speaking, Philipkowski looked around all the players and left the locker room with the assistant coach
"Okay, audience, now the two players are starting to play."
"That's right, the game is about to start soon, and the captains of the two teams are already guessing coins with the referee."
"According to the starting list that the director asked from the competition committee, todayp; "I'm sorry to tell you, Thomas, it's true, and you can find it on the official website."
Thomas Schaff raised his head, stared at Yang Cheng who was standing near the center circle waiting for his opponent to kick off, and was silent for a while.
"Otto, go and remind them to strengthen the offense and press in the midfield. In addition, let Fabian Ernst strengthen his defense. I don't want to see the opponent counterattack and sneak attack again."
"Okay, I'll talk about it now," Otto Rehhagel got up and said.
"Otto, wait a minute," Thomas Schaf looked at Rehhagel who had stopped, and added: "After the game, remember to arrange for a scout to observe him quietly for a while."
"Thomas, are you going to" Otto Rehagel saw Thomas Schaff staring intently at Yang Cheng who was running on the field, and he guessed what Thomas was thinking. The two have cooperated for several years , naturally understand.
"Hurry up and deal with it, don't wait, let the opponent equalize the score."
Soon, Werder Bremen implemented the arrangement of the head coach, strengthening the offense and pressing in the midfield after losing the ball.
St. Pauli was forced to be busy defending. Even if they occasionally wanted to counterattack and sneak attack, they were pressed by the opponent's players, and the ball was rushed and the pass was inaccurate and the ball was lost.
Facing the strong attack of Werder Bremen, St. Pauli finally defended and did not concede a goal until the end of the game.
The score of 1:2 was maintained until the end of the game.
St. Pauli lost to Werder Bremen at home and stopped in the second round of the German Cup.