Match Number: 790 Date: 02-June-2007 Location: Nürnberg Competition: Euro 2008 Qualifying GERMANY: Lehmann Lahm (70. Helmes), Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen Hilbert (59. Fritz), Frings, B. Schneider, Hitzlsperger Klose, Kuranyi (59. Gomez) SAN MARINO: Aldo Simoncini Valentini, Della Valle, Albani, Davide Simoncini, Vannucci Negri (68. Bonini), Bugli (85. Vitaioli), Bacciocchi, Gasperoni Manuel Marani (77. Domeniconi) Statistik: Scoring: 1:0 Kuranyi (45.) 2:0 Jansen (52.) 3:0 Frings (54., penalty) 4:0 Gomez (63.) 5:0 Gomez (65.) 6:0 Fritz (67.) Referee: Tony Asumaa (Finnland) Yellow-red cards: Davide Simoncini (54., repeated fouls) Attendance: 43,967Pundits were predicting an asulat on the all-time German record (a 16-0 against Russia over 100 years ago), and that was certainly a possibility, given Germany's 13-0 away win earlier. However, the San Marineses were determined not to be embarrassed, and packed the box. They defended heroically, and GK Aldo Simoncini made several superb saves - in fact he might earn himself a professional contract based on his performance. Meanwhile, germany dominated possesion, but looked totally inept in finishing. While Kevin Kuranyi at least wasted his chances, Miro Klose was so crap as to be invisible - was he even on the pitch? Perhaps the Polizei should have issued a "Missing Person" bulletin. Even greater chuckles was from GK Jens Lehmann horribly miskicking a "clearance" straight to the sole San Marino forward who bothered to cross midfield. However, his angled shot rolled harmlessly in front of goal, as no one else had bothered to run forward for the empty net tap-in.
As the German fans lost their festive mood and began whistling, on the stroke of half-time, Kuranyi finally put in a nice looping header. The 2nd half was much better from the German perspective, as they quickly made short work of their opponents. Particularily effective was newcomer Mario Gomez, who barely had time to warm up before banging in two strikes.
Overall, you have to consider it a ho-hum win.