The visitors, including the Leverkusen-born Germany international Paul Janes, can rarely free themselves from the clutches of the Bayer attack. On 15 minutes Hans Frömmel opens the scoring with a long-range effort. That is followed by a constant bombardment on the Fortuna goal supported by cheers and the siren-like howling of children. Theo Kirchberg scores another goal before half-time but this is ruled out due to an offside decision. Centre forward Emil Becks hits the ball over the bar from three metres out just before half-time leaving the Werkself with a 1-0 lead at the break.
Bayer 04 carry on attacking after the restart. Manfred Höher hits the ball just over the target after a solo run. In addition to Höher, Anton Mauth often leads the action. Emil Becks begins to limp in the middle of the second half after taking a knock but, as was the case back then, cannot be substituted. So he just moves up and down the touchline. On 80 minutes, Anton Mauth breaks down the right flank puts a cross into the penalty area and Manfred Höher heads the ball into the back of the net. Everybody's up from their seats and minutes of celebration sound across the pitch as that goal decides the game. With the final whistle, the Werkself players throw up their arms and are happy to have beaten a famous opponent after a tough battle but with a clear and deserved victory.
The end of the season brings a fifth place finish but the Werkself gain promotion to the First Oberliga West the next season.
Michael Ballack was born on 26 September 1976 in Görlitz, in what was then East Germany. His talent for football became apparent at an early age. After his family moved to Karl-Marx-Stadt – now Chemnitz – he began playing football for BSG Motor ‘Fritz Heckert’ Karl-Marx-Stadt, where he steadily developed his skills. From Year 7 onwards, he attended the Children’s and Youth Sports School and received systematic sporting support, which, in 1988 – due to his growing skill as a player – led to a move to FC Karl-Marx-Stadt. At the age of 16, he had to take a six-month break due to growth problems, but after that, Michael was unstoppable.
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José Elias Moedim Júnior, known as Zé Elias, was born on 25 September 1976 in São Paulo. He received his football training at Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, or Corinthians for short, and was promoted to the first team at the age of just 17. PSV Eindhoven had already taken notice of him by this stage, but the move to Europe was still too early for him. The tenacious defensive midfielder established himself in the first team over the following three years. With Corinthians, Zé Elias won the São Paulo City Championship and the Brazilian Cup in 1995. With his excellent vision, his determination and his assured ball control, he made a significant contribution to his team’s success.
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In their second season in Bundesliga 2 North, the Werkself face Fortuna Köln at their home ground, the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, on matchday 7. Both teams are level on seven points, sitting eighth and ninth in the table.
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In this video you can see impressive and important goals in the history of Bayer 04 from the month of September. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.
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September gets off to a disastrous start, though not for the Werkself: the German national team, featuring Bayer 04 players Jens Nowotny, Michael Ballack and Oliver Neuville, suffer a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of England in a World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Jens Nowotny, in particular, came in for sharp criticism. With this defeat, Germany’s direct qualification is now hanging in the balance.
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