Despite an improved second half performance, Werder Bremen had to settle for a goalless draw against Dutch top-flight side FC Groningen. The Green-Whites found it tough to create goalscoring opportunities in the first 45, but everything changed after the restart. Josh Sargent had good chances to break the deadlock – his best, a reaction header after a good cross from Johannes Eggestein, which Groningen’s keeper Sergio Padt brilliantly saved (58’).
14’ – Pavlenka is tested for the first time. Groningen attacker Doan hits a shot on the turn from the edge of the box towards the right corner, but Werder’s gloveman parries it away.
19’ – Mahi inadvertent loops the ball towards the far corner, but luckily Pavlenka’s fingertips manage to deflect it wide.
29’ – Mahi puts Van Weert through on goal, but he can’t keep his cool and fails to convert from the six yard line.
45’+1 – Half time in Groningen. Lots of improvement needed in attack for the Green-Whites.
49’ - Groningen come out of the blocks quickly after the restart and make sure substitute keeper Drobny stays on his toes. Shortly after kick-off, Mahi whistles one just past the post and another attempt from the hosts is then deflected over the bar.
50’ - Finally the first good chance for the away side. Käuper puts Sargent through, but FCG keeper Padt throws himself at his near post quick enough to stop the youngster’s effort.
58’ - What a save from Padt! Johannes Eggestein puts in a brilliant cross, which finds the head of Sargent, but the gloveman pulls out a worldie.
82’ - Harnik, on the field for 15 minutes, reacts with lightning speed as central defender te Wierik hammers a clearance straight into the back of Mitspieer van de Looi. The Werder striker has the chance to capitalise from the edge of the area, but he fires his shot wide.
89’ – Sargent has his fourth chance on goal, but his thumping half volley from the edge of the box is smothered once again by Padt.
90’+1 – Full time. The match ends goalless.
Summary: The chopped and changed Werder XI struggled to create chances in the first half and put the Dutch hosts under minimal pressure. Keeper Padt wasn’t tested once in the first 45. Groningen posed equally little threat, yet forced Pavlenka into two crucial saves. SVW looked a different side in the second half. Josh Sargent was the standout attacking threat, yet the US youngster couldn’t find a way past the superb Groningen keeper.
FC Groningen: Padt – Zeefuik, Te Wierik, Memisevic (46‘ Chabot), Warmerdam – Hrustic (46’ Reis), Van de Looi, Drost (71’ Mendes Moreira) – Mahi, Doan, Van Weert (71’ Antuna)
Werder Bremen: Pavlenka (46’ Drobny, 56’ Pavlenka) – Beijmo (66’ Gebre Selassie), Veljkovic (66’ Friedl), Moisander (c) (31’ Langkamp), Jacobsen – M. Eggestein (31’ Wagner, 66’ Klaasen), Käuper (66’ Kruse), Mbom – Kainz (46’ Rashica), Sargent, J. Eggestein (66’ Harnik)
Referee: Kevin Blom
