Sports
Leverkusen end Saarbruecken German Cup fairy-tale
Saarbrueken’s unprecedented German Cup run came to an end at the semi-finals on Tuesday night after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
The fourth-tier side, whose last competitive match was in March, beat top-flight clubs Cologne and Fortuna Duesseldorf on their way to becoming the first team from that level to reach the last four of the cup.
Saarbruecken coach Lukas Kwasniok had said a place in the July final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium would be tantamount to the “rebirth of Jesus”, but there was no miracle on Tuesday.
They were comfortably dealt with by Leverkusen, who are chasing a spot in next season’s Champions League and were in the driving seat from the get go at Saarbruecken’s tiny, empty ground in southwestern Germany.
The away side were quickly two ahead thanks to goals from Moussa Diaby and Lucas Alario within the first 20 minutes.
Both were set up by Kerem Demirbay, whose pass for Diaby’s opener in particular highlighted the gulf in class between the two teams.
The hosts never recovered from that early blow, and just before the hour mark Leverkusen struck a third, with Demirbay once again the man to lay on the decisive pass for Bellarabi to smash home.
The defeat would have been heavier had Paulinho not missed several good chances to beat Saarbruecken’s impressive goalkeeper Daniel Batz, who saved five penalties in his team’s quarter-final win over Duesseldorf and made some good stops on Tuesday.
Leverkusen will now take on one of Bayern Munich or Eintracht Frankfurt, who face off at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, in the final on July 4. – worldfootball.net
Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.
In a statement, the club noted that “on behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.”
According to the club, Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.
They added that this has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup,” they added.
“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Young Apostles defender Claude Shooting Bortey has been named NASCO player of the month for March following an outstanding run of performances.
The Young Apostles star edged out strong competition from Setsofia Aqetey of Vision FC and winger Samuel Okai of Bechem United after scoring three goals and earning one Man of the Match award during the period.
As part of his reward, Claude Bortey will receive a 43-inch NASCO Television set, courtesy of Electroland Ghana Limited, as well as a NASCO double-door bottom-freezer refrigerator.
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