Augsburg shocked everyone on Friday with an impressive 3-1 victory over Werder Bremen. After scoring only twice and picking up two points in their first six matches of the season, the offensive explosion against Bremen was not expected.
Augsburg vs. Werder Bremen: Final score 3-1, Impressive win for Augsburg
Augsburg put together their first quality ninety minutes of the season and pick up their first win.
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The hosts started brilliantly nicking a goal after just 90 seconds. Paul Verhaegh had all the time in the world near the right touchline with Eljero Elia jogging out to defend him. He crossed the ball to the middle of the box where Tobias Werner headed the ball past Sebastian Mielitz for the 1-0 lead. Clemens Fritz was marking Werner on the play. By "marking", I mean he was watching Werner run to the ball and head it into the net.
With Augsburg pressing high up the pitch, Bremen tried and failed to catch them on the break early. They nearly equalized after 15 minutes, but Joseph Akpala saw his shot expertly saved by Mohamed Amsif. Bremen would find that equalizer minutes later. After a long run from centerback Sokratis Papastathopoulos drew a foul about 40 yards from goal, Kevin De Bruyne sent a long ball into the box. Amsif expected someone --- anyone, really --- to touch the ball, but they didn't. The ball bounced past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
Zimbabwe international Knowledge Musona kept testing the Bremen defense with various runs across the backline. In the 32nd minute after a one-two with Stephan Hain, Musona played the forward in behind Bremen’s defense. Hain took a touch to pay himself clear before shooting to make it 2-1 Augsburg.
Augsburg continued their pressure into the second half forcing Bremen into coughing up possession many times before they wanted. Musona had an excellent opportunity to make it 3-1, but his shot at a fairly open net was way wide.
Second half Bremen substitute Theodor Gebre Selassie fouled Muson just outside of the penalty area in the 71st minute. The spot was close enough for a shot, and Mielitz set up his wall to protect him. Daniel Baier shot the ball on target and wrong-footed Milietz. The ball hit the back of the net to give Augsburg a 3-1 lead.
Milan Petržela nearly made it 4-1 after some gaffetastic goalkeeping from Mielitz. A long ball was played over the top to the Czech winger, and Mielitz came way out of his box to intercept the pass. Petržela easily took the ball from him, but his shot struck the post and deflected wide.
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