Failure, shock, disappointment! German media not sparing criticism of Frankfurt’s performance, young goalkeeper is said to be the main culprit of the draw

Pilsen managed to equalise in the last minutes of Thursday’s Europa League match at Frankfurt. Although the home team was leading 3:1 and everything pointed to a victory, Viktoria did not give up and managed to get an unexpected point in the last minutes. The key moment was an erroneous save by the Frankfurt goalkeeper, which was not overlooked by the German media.

• Frankfurt lost a two-goal lead in the last minutes of the match
• Plzeň team equalised thanks to errors by Frankfurt goalkeeper
• German media not sparing criticism of substitute goalkeeper Santos’ performance

Frankfurt had a well played match. Leading 3:1 in the 86th minute and creating more chances, few would have expected a draw. However, first Václav Jemelka centred into the penalty area and Prince Adu reduced it to 2: 3 with a precise volley.

And then, after a Sampson Dweh cross, goalkeeper Santos made a mistake and Jemelka equalised for the final 3: 3. The German media immediately reacted and strongly criticized the performance of the young goalkeeper who replaced the injured number one Kevin Trapp.

Criticism from Germany

Newspapers such as Kicker, Bild and Sportschau described the result as a shock and disappointment for Frankfurt. “A two-goal lead wasted and a blow in the set-up,” wrote Kicker.

Bild went even further: “They lost what they thought was a certain victory.” Most of the media agreed that young Brazilian goalkeeper Santos was the main culprit. “He failed twice,” noted Bild journalists, who also expressed that his performance was not up to the required standard.

Reaction from the club

Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche did not miss the comment on Santos’ performance. Santos is still learning and has to learn from it,” he said. Krösche also admitted that the team failed to hold on to the lead due to reckless and naive defending that cost Frankfurt two important points.

Although Frankfurt played a good game, Krösche said they could not maintain their concentration until the end, which ultimately backfired on them.

Viktoria Plzeň thus leave Frankfurt with a valuable point and hopes of further success in the Europa League. Next time they will welcome Ludogorets from Bulgaria on home soil.

Source: Eintracht Frankfurt, Bild, Kicker, Sport.cz