Armin Veh made five changes to the starting line-up compared to last Monday’s home draw against St. Pauli. Oka Nikolov was back in goal instead of Kessler, he also captained the team as Pirmin Schwegler is out with a two match ban (he was red carded during last season’s defeat away to Alemannia Aachen). New defender Anderson started alongside Schildenfeld replacing Clark, Benny Köhler started in midfield and Fenin and Gekas up front (Caio and Hoffer were on the bench). The tactical formation changed from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 with Meier behind the two strikers.
Hard Work for the Eagles
The first half was hard work for the Eagles as the fourth division club of Halle was highly motivated and kept the Eintracht midfield and defense busy throughout. The crowd of 2,800 saw an early Rode long range shot missing the target by a margin (4’), then Lindenhahn came close to score the lead for the hosts but his try from 20 meters just missed Nikolov’s goal (9’). Armin Veh had to action an early substitution, Ümit Korkmaz came on for the injured left defender Constant Djakpa (14’). Köhler moved back to join the back four on the left.
Eintracht did not find a way to dominate Hallescher FC, they hardly created chances – Fenin (11’ and 28’) and Korkmaz (23’) both had attempts but did not come close enough to trouble the Halle goalkeeper Horvat. On the other side the hosts created good scoring opportunities from a few set piece situations but Preuß (26’ and 45’) and Shala (34’) missed the Eintracht goal. Fenin had the best chance for the Eagles when he controlled a Lehmann pass nicely in front of goal, his acrobatic move resulted in a decent shot that went wide by inches (45’). It was 0-0 at the break.
Second Half Recovery
Four minutes into the second half there was another wake-up call for the Eagles when Wagenfeld hit the post with a long range effort (49’). But it seemed that now Eintracht gained more control, the defense proved to be more solid now and the fitness of the hosts also seemed to fade. Fenin kept trying and trying, he came close twice with shots (61’ and 64’). With ten minutes to go Gekas had the biggest chance until then when Fenin set him up in front of goal, but Halle keeper Horvat was at the end of the Greek’s attempt (80’).
But it was Eintracht’s top scorer of last season who would decide the match after all, minutes later he attempted to intercept a back pass and Horvat was a touch to late this time, he fouled Gekas and a penalty was awarded by the referee. The Greek stepped up himself and converted with a cool finish (85’).
Minutes later the hosts came close to equalize when Hartmann had a go from inside the box, but Nikolov was at the end of it with a fine save (87’). “Eternal Oka” as he is nicknamed was also involved in the final act of the match when Gekas picked up his long goal kick and cleverly finished to extend the Eagle’s lead (90’).
Matchwinner Gekas
After a difficult match against brave hosts who gave their all Eintracht proceed to the next round thanks to matchwinner Theofanis Gekas. The Eagles again showed the pattern of being a team of the second half after having problems in the first 45 minutes. All six goals in the three competitive matches so far this season were scored after the break. The draw for the second round of the DFB-Pokal will be held on Saturday the 6th of August. Coming up for the Eagles is the 2. Bundesliga away match at Eintracht Braunschweig (Sunday the 7th of August at 13.30h CET).
