Through to last 16 on penalties

Match summary:

Watched by a crowd of 4,150 at the GAZi-Stadion, the VfB U19s started on the front foot and took an early lead through Eliot Bujupi in the eighth minute. The VfB youngsters continued to dominate and doubled their lead in the 19th minute courtesy of an Efe Korkut goal. However, Liverpool fought back and goals from Kieran Morrison (26’) and Trent Kone-Doherty (45’+2) drew them level before half-time.

Close battle decided by penalties

Both teams battled hard in the second half but couldn’t find another goal, meaning the game had to be decided by a penalty shootout. Nico Willig’s side showed the stronger nerves as all five spot-kicks were converted by Korkut, Bujupi, Deli Hajdini, Lauri Penna and Benjamin Boakye. With Florian Hellstern saving Amara Nallo’s attempt, the visitors’ final penalty wasn’t required and the shootout finished 5-3.

Goals:

8th minute: Benjamin Boakye threads a brilliant ball into the path of Bujupi, who keeps his cool in front of Liverpool goalkeeper Kornel Misciur and fires into the far corner – 1-0.

19th minute: Liverpool’s build-up play breaks down and Korkut anticipates it. The midfielder intercepts the ball before taking a few steps forward and confidently striking into the left corner – 2-0. What a start for VfB!

26th minute: Kone-Doherty advances down the right wing and delivers the ball to Morrison, who finishes from close range to cut VfB’s lead.

45’+2nd minute: Liverpool switch play from the left side to the right, where Kone-Doherty shoots from 15 metres and finds the net to level the score at 2-2.

Reaction

Nico Willig: “I’m very happy that we’ve made history today, although I am also a little annoyed we weren’t able to settle the game earlier. We pushed away the frustration in the second half and went for the third goal because we didn’t want to go to penalties. That makes it all the nicer that all five takers scored and that we deservedly emerged victorious in the end.”