German based Manchester City fan, BlueWolfie sent us the following match report and exclusive pictures.
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It had been a while since I last went and saw City live, and so when I found out they were to play Munich 1860, here in Germany, I jumped at the chance – even if it was nothing more than a training game.
Injured Weiss
With my lady and my seven year old son in-tow, we drove the 100-odd miles to the facility, all the while explaining to him, that Robinho would not be there – which he found most disappointing, but then this is the only player he really knows, as I have only just recently begun to indoctrinate him. But at least he knows the correct response to make when he hears the words, ‘Manchester United’.
Ireland as Captain for the day
Munich 1860 fans had apparently been talking about this game for quite some time, and saw it as a ‘big game’ for their boys. And as such, around 3000 supporters showed up, of which I would say contained only about 50 City fans.
What struck me straight away was the fact that MH had given Ireland the Captain’s armband – sign of thing to come maybe? Hughes would absolutely no complaints from me were this to become permanent.
Ireland in the penalty area
From the off, Bojinov was the lone man upfront, with Petrov and Ireland giving him support. 1860 were up for the game and although they had no clear shot on goal for this first half hour, they tried in vain against the crowded City midfield. Until about the thirty minute mark when given a free kick just outside the penalty area, they scored against the too slow Taylor in net. City had had a couple of chances, with Petrov blasting a foot over the bar, being the closest.
Petrov on goal
At half-time it was 1860 that went left the field the happier side, only to return for the second half to a completely changed City side, made up of mostly academy players that went at them at a frenetic pace. Bojinov stayed on, this time with a very ineffective Benjani as a partner.
About 15 minutes in, Bojinov equalized with a simple half-volley, and the score remained such until the final whistle. The one player that did stand out form the crowd was Weiss, playing both halves, and was a big threat, playing mainly on the right-wing, although he did suffer from a nasty head collision in the 1860 box in the second half.
RSC
Of the regular first team, there were Ireland, Petrov, Bojinov, and Zabletta. RSC and Bellamy were both there, but played no part other than spectators, which was a little disappointing, although I did get both of their autographs on my City shirt, amongst others. Sorry to say there was no sign of Lescott!
All in all, they played okay, but with this being a training game, it’s not so easy to grade the display, but at least we didn’t lose, and neither did it rain – which was nice.
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