- The European Union is currently grappling with a significant predicament.
Joker Yorbe Vertessen propels Union Berlin and their novice coach Bo Svensson to a victorious introduction. In the initial stage of the DFB-Pokal, the Berliners fought their way to a 1-0 (0-0) triumph over Division IV team Greifswalder FC. Amidst an audience of 4,319 spectators at the Greifswalder Volksstadion, the Belgian substitute netted the deciding goal for the heavy favorites in the 67th minute.
The home team delivered a plucky performance against the Bundesliga outfit, with defender Diogo Leite making an unexpected withdrawal due to a mishap during the final training session. He was subsequently substituted by the Austrian newcomer Leopold Querfeld.
Unstructured Union defense
Initially, the Union defense demonstrated signs of unorganization. In the third minute, a mishap between Querfeld and Berlin's goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow almost gave Greifswald's Johannes Manske an opportunity for an unguarded shot, but it lacked enough power to elude Rönnow before reaching the line. Union took some time to get into their stride and dominated the host's half, but chances were few and far between in the first half.
Despite the break, the match maintained its intensity, with Union stepping up their efforts to control the opposition. However, Vertessen's goal, stemming from a straightforward one-two with Benedict Hollerbach, bypassing the Greifswalder defense, came as a shock.
After establishing an origin, Union temporarily surrendered their dominance, with Soufian Benyamina rejuvenating the team. In the 77th minute, the brother of Union legend Karim Benyamina struck the Berlin crossbar. Union aimed to secure the victory, but the underdogs remained threatening with counterattacks.
The unexpected withdrawal of Diogo Leite put additional pressure on the Union defense, especially considering the initial unstructured performance they displayed in the DFB Cup match. Despite this, Joker Yorbe Vertessen's goal in the 67th minute secured Union Berlin's victory in the DFB Cup, advancing them past Division IV team Greifswalder FC.
