Erling Haaland bags a hat-trick, helping Borussia Dortmund steamroll Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round DFB Pokal encounter on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund kickstarted the Marco Rose era with a sublime 3-0 victory over Wehen Wiesbaden. It was a positive start to their DFB Pokal defence, a result that should serve as an ideal morale-booster ahead of their first match in the Bundesliga next weekend.

The visitors were looking dominant right from the beginning, despite missing out on a number of crucial first-team players. Rose’s coaching staff had promised more attacking, aggressive football and that was on display tonight, as Erling Haaland drew first blood with a comfortable finish in the 26th minute.

It was followed by a penalty, which the Norwegian converted quite comfortably to help Dortmund double their tally in the 31st minute. The Black and Yellows did create more chances but were unable to take full advantage. They only had a 2-0 lead heading into half-time, as a result.

Nevertheless, the cup holders started the second half strongly, looking hungry in front of goal. The mentality paid off as Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute. It was destined to become a long night for hosts Wehen Wiesbaden but some shoddy finishing from the opposing attackers saw them only suffer a 3-0 defeat at the end.

Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Borussia Dortmund players in their comfortable 3-0 victory over the third division side this weekend.

Gregor Kobel: 7/10

Gregor Kobel was making his Dortmund debut, starting ahead of both Roman Burki and Marwin Hitz. He responded well to the pressure, looking quite composed, especially in possession. He was certainly alert to the danger around him, notably reacting quickly to a defensive mistake made by Felix Passlack in the second half. A well-earned clean sheet for the ex-Stuttgart custodian.

Felix Passlack: 5/10

Filling in for the injured Mateu Morey and the Covid-19 infected Thomas Meunier, Felix Passlack didn’t offer too much quality in the right-back position. His lack of quality, both in possession and in the attacking department, is certainly a worry for Borussia Dortmund as they look to brace themselves for life without Lukasz Piszczek.

Antonios Papadopoulos: 6.5/10

Antonios Papadopoulos was given the nod ahead of Lennard Maloney as one of the two U23 defenders promised to play in the game. The defender from Hallescher looked shaky at times and was certainly identified as a potential weak spot in the BVB backline by the opposition. However, he settled into the game quite well, looking rather comfortable after the restart.

Manuel Akanji: 6.5/10

Manuel Akanji looked shaky and indecisive at times. But the Swiss international provided the leadership that was required in a Dortmund backline that lacked quality and experience. Much like Papadopoulos, he settled into the game quite well and looked much more influential in the build-up play.

Nico Schulz: 7.5/10

Nico Schulz’s excellent forward pass was vital in helping Borussia Dortmund score the all-important opener. Highly tipped to leave the club in the summer, the left-back certainly didn’t disappoint, apart from a few sloppy first touches. It will be interesting to see whether this performance will attract any top clubs in Germany this month.

Jude Bellingham: 6.5/10

Jude Bellingham was given the nod ahead of other midfielders, but the youngster lacked sharpness in the middle of the park. Made some useful turnovers, though not enough to properly dominate the opposition. It is quite understandable as the Englishman is coming on the back of an extended break, after being a part of the England side that reached the final of Euro 2020.

Mahmoud Dahoud: 7.5/10

Mahmoud Dahoud looked determined to make a solid impression in his first game under Rose. He operated as the anchorman in the middle of the park, orchestrating possession and occasionally making forays into the final third. It was a fairly decent performance from the ex-Gladbach star, who is tipped to play a major role for BVB this season.

Giovanni Reyna: 8/10

Donning the number seven shirt after the departure of Jadon Sancho, Giovanni Reyna looked in sublime touch right from the beginning. He was energetic, often finding himself in good positions. His link-up play with his teammates was particularly exquisite as the American crafted multiple scoring opportunities. Good signs for Rose.

Marco Reus: 8.5/10

Marco Reus operated as an attacking midfielder, influencing the game with his dynamism and vision. He made expert use of the available half-spaces, keeping hold of the ball and releasing players in open channels. His remarkable decision-making had a key role to play behind Dortmund’s dominance, with the captain notably registering the assist for Haaland’s first goal.

Steffen Tigges: 4/10

Steffen Tigges was one of the few players who didn’t look comfortable at all. He was often a misfit in the Dortmund attack, lacking the pace, dynamism and technical brilliance of the players around him. The forward certainly has a long way to go before he can make himself a viable option for the first team.

Erling Haaland: 10/10

After struggling in the pre-season, Erling Haaland marked his return to form in a truly outstanding fashion. He looked hungry to get behind the defence and score goals. His off the ball movements, combined with his speed and physicality were no match for the Wiesbaden rearguard, as the Norwegian comfortably scored a hat-trick, starting the season as he means to go on.

Substitutes

Axel Witsel: 7/10

It was refreshing to see Axel Witsel donning the Dortmund kit after a long absence through injury. The midfielder orchestrated the game well after coming on. His experience and composure are set to play a vital role in shaping the club’s fate this season.

Donyell Malen: 7.5/10

Donyell Malen made his debut in the 66th minute, coming on for Tigges. He looked lively going forward, linking up with Haaland quite well and making himself a nuisance in the final third. Got close to scoring a goal but his effort was thwarted by Florian Strizel, the Wiesbaden goalkeeper. A terrific showing on his debut, nonetheless.

Thorgan Hazard: 5/10

Thorgan Hazard came on for Reus midway through the second half. Unfortunately, the Belgian didn’t look sharp at all, misplacing two of his crosses while providing very little going forward.

Thomas Delaney: N/A

Might potentially be his last game for Dortmund, as he came on as a late substitute for Dahoud. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Youssoufa Moukoko: N/A

A few welcome minutes for the attacker, who has had issues with injuries over the past year or so. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Comments 1

  1. Amos uche says:

    Haaland already in form

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