The Sturm should sell for a lot more expensive than the Eindhoven – at least initially. Along with a more dense defensive performance, the “Blackies” frequently used offensive pinpricks. Teixeira signaled danger with an unsuccessful shot (eighth). But already in the initial whirlwind attempt in Graz it became clear that PSV center forward De Jong is difficult to defend, especially in the air. Stormy goalkeeper Kjell Sherpen parried his compatriot’s header into a corner with little trouble (9′).
After Otar Kitashvili’s pass, Bowing failed from Walter Benitez’s best position in the guest goal, but was able to celebrate shortly afterwards. Alexander Pras found the Dane at the second post and the 20-year-old finally turned Graz-Liebnau into a madhouse when he turned the ball into the near corner (26′).
Anyone expecting nervous guests among the 12,571 spectators were in for a disappointment. The fans of the Hurricanes, who were in a euphoric mood, were given no more than six minutes of joy. After an accurate ball relay, De Jong passed it to Viermann, who beat Kjell Sherpen with a genuine hit (32′) with a shot from about 20 meters low.
Peter Bosz’s guests, who had the best players, with the exception of winger Noah Lang, also departed before the break. De Jong heads in Tej’s cross – the former Barcelona striker’s third goal against Sturm (39′). The rest was a show put on by the guests who were happy to play and who were confident about the ball and the home team fighting courageously. David Effengruber headed in after a corner (58′). However, the goal was disallowed by VAR for an offside position by Jan Gorenc Stankovic (60′).
For the Slovenian teammate, the working day ended quickly and Lustenau guest appearances awaited on Saturday, as did Jusuf Gazibegovic and Otar Kitashvili. Two new acquisitions arrived with Javi Serrano and Scottish debutant Max Johnston. Towards the end with few chances, Knick reservist Jakob Jantscher was also allowed to play and twice failed to strike the post (94th). Ricardo Pepi had already made it 3-1 when he confidently converted a penalty kick by Gregory Wüthrich after VAR intervention (85th).
