Salzburg triumphs despite the thunderstorm! Debütant Zawieschitzky shines in the goal

Salzburg triumphs despite the thunderstorm! Debütant Zawieschitzky shines in the goal

Cincinnati, USA - FC Salzburg has a perfect start to the FIFA Club World Championship and took over the lead in Group H. In an exciting opening game, the Salzburgers defeated the Mexican Club CF Pachuca 2-1 (1-0) in Cincinnati. Not only the result caused special excitement, but also the storm that interrupted the game for more than an hour and a half.

18-year-old Christian Zawieschitzky, who went into play as a goalkeeper debutant, showed an outstanding performance. He parried two dangerous shots from Salomon Rondón in the 11th and 31st minute, defused dangerous situations at an early stage and kept his team in the game. Despite a strong appearance of the Mexicans, it was Oscar Gloukh who scored 1-0 for Salzburg in the 42nd minute with a precise shot from 20 meters.

game interruptions and dramatic twists

The second half began with another interruption for thunderstorms that the viewers and players put on a test of patience. After the game was resumed, in the 56th minute there was the equalization by Bryan González, who skilfully transported the ball into the short corner. But Salzburg could not be discouraged. In the 76th minute, Mad's Bidstrup was on hand with a precise cross that Karim Onisiwo used to 2-1. After that, Salzburg skilfully defended the narrow lead until the final whistle.

After the game, coach Thomas Letsch expressed the crucial importance of victory for the progress in the tournament. "We have to take the next steps in the coming games now," said Letsch, who also had three new additions to the starting eleven: Stefan Lainer, Frans Krätzig and Jacob Rasmussen. In addition, Joane Gadou, also 18 years old, was in central defense.

bonus and upcoming challenges

The victory over Pachuca brings an additional two million dollars of bonuses and the best starting position for the other games. Her next opponent, the Saudi team Al-Hilal, is already waiting from Sunday to Monday. The competition in the group is strong, before the opening game Real Madrid had played against Al-Hilal undecided, which Salzburg now secures the top in the group.

It remains to be seen whether the Salzburgers can take this swing to the next encounters. A look at the upcoming games is crucial because after these first successes FC Salzburg has the goal of further convincing in the club world championship and possibly ending up the very big surprise. You can find more information about the Club World Championship on Kicker .