Dortmund Loses to Graz: Substitute's Goal Brings a Surprise
Borussia Dortmund suffered a shock defeat in their friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz on Saturday. The Bundesliga giants went down 1-0 in a match that saw them dominate possession but struggle to convert their chances.
Graz's winning goal came in the 85th minute from substitute Kelvin Yeboah. The forward, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, volleyed home a cross from the right flank, leaving Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance.
The defeat will be a disappointment for Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who was hoping for a positive result in their final pre-season friendly. The team had been in good form in their previous matches, winning four and drawing one.
However, they were unable to break down a resilient Graz defense, despite creating numerous opportunities. Dortmund's star striker Erling Haaland was particularly frustrated, hitting the crossbar in the first half and seeing a late shot blocked by the Graz keeper.
The loss serves as a reminder that Dortmund still have work to do before the start of the Bundesliga season. The team will need to improve their finishing and find a way to break down stubborn defenses if they want to challenge for the title this year.
Here are some key takeaways from the match:
- Dortmund's lack of finishing: Despite dominating possession, Dortmund struggled to convert their chances. This has been a recurring theme in their pre-season campaign.
- Graz's resilience: The Austrian team showed great resilience and determination, holding out against a much more experienced Dortmund side.
- The importance of substitutes: Yeboah's winning goal highlights the importance of having a strong bench.
Overall, the defeat to Graz is a minor setback for Dortmund. The team will be looking to bounce back in their opening Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 14th.
It remains to be seen whether the loss will be a wake-up call for Dortmund. However, it certainly provides Terzic with something to think about ahead of the new season.