Memorable moments: Koller had to score against Bayern, made several saves and scored a goal

Jan Koller has been a striker since he was a kid and his job was to score goals. But there came a moment in his career when he suddenly had to prevent goals. In November 2002, he headed for goal against Bayern Munich. And he did brilliantly.

In November 2002, Der Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. BVB’s starting line-up included the Czech duo of Tomas Rosicky and Jan Koller.

The talented midfielder arrived in Germany in January 2001, the lanky striker completed the squad six months later. Both of them have made their mark in the club’s history and in the memory of the fans.

As for Koller, it was not only because of the goals he scored, but also because of the match in November 2002. The striker from Smetana Lhota sent Dortmund into the lead in the seventh minute against Bayern Munich.

But in the 62nd minute, Roque Santa Cruz equalised at 1-1 and the match became somewhat heated. Bayern eventually managed to turn the score around, with the goal being very borderline due to offside.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was convinced of the infringement and went to shout the referee down. The referee didn’t like that at all, he gave the legendary goalkeeper a yellow card and since he already had one, Lehmann had to take a shower.

Dortmund could no longer substitute and could not send a substitute goalkeeper on the pitch. Someone from the midfield had to come on. Given Koller’s two-metre height, there was no doubt who it would be.

The Czech striker actually put on his jersey, put on his gloves and stood in goal. But who would have expected a fiasco would have been disappointed. Koller pulled off some great saves and didn’t score the rest of the game.

Koller’s performance went around the football world, and not only in Germany. The legendary striker even made it into the Kicker magazine’s round robin as goalkeeper.

Source: Youtube, Bundesliga