57 – Debut Match, Debut Goal
At this moment, it might be hard to imagine, but there was a time when 1860 Munich surpassed Bayern Munich and was considered the representative club of ‘Munich.’
This is the story of the golden age of 1860 Munich in the 1960s.
Back then, with both teams in Munich being considered the top teams in Germany, the two ‘Munich’ teams formed an intense rivalry. It was to the extent that the ‘Munich Derby’ would make the entire Germany excited.
However, afterward, the two clubs took opposite paths.
While Bayern Munich, led by the legendary player ‘Kaiser’ Franz Beckenbauer, entered a golden era in the late 1960s, 1860 Munich, unfortunately, faced a decline as they were relegated to the second division in 1970.
It took a whopping seven years until 1860 Munich returned to the top league in 1977, only to be relegated again after just one year. After that, they became more familiar with the second and even third divisions than the top league.
It was a downfall comparable to Leeds in England, once considered the best in their field in Germany.
Despite being a club with a rich history, they recorded an average attendance of 42,000 in the 05-06 season, the highest in the second division. However, over 30 years of continuous decline turned even the deeply rooted fanbase away.
The steadily decreasing attendance finally dipped into the 20,000 range, dealing a fatal blow to the club’s finances, and key players were sold off. It was a complete collapse.
And this was the reason why there was no one in the pub even before the opening match.
In Europe, where it is common to watch football matches together in pubs, especially in Germany where the average attendance is the highest, it is very unusual for Paris to be deserted even before the opening match.
Despite the fact that 1860 Munich has been vigorously performing ant rituals for 30 years, supporters who persistently continue their fandom are bound to exist.
Rather, the supporters of 1860 Munich who have endured to this day may be considered the epitome of loyalty, bone-deep fans who have remained only as 1860 Munich fans.
In an era where ‘Bayern Munich’ has become common when talking about football teams in Munich, supporting 1860 Munich, a team that has been performing ant rituals for the past 30 years, is a formidable task that only the most hardcore fans can endure.
The elite among elites, the supporters of 1860 Munich, were individuals who, despite facing considerable hardships and trials, could support the club. However—
“Damn, this damn club is done! We barely climbed back to the first division after dropping to the third, and now, in this crucial period, they bring in recruits like some Asian prodigies? It’s really getting on my nerves!”
The recent actions of the club had even turned away such fans.
In a situation where they are barely in the first division and are considered the top candidate for relegation, there are only two Asian players recruited for the season to start. Moreover, they are newly turned 18-year-old prodigies.
Florian, the owner of the pub who has been supporting 1860 Munich through thick and thin for the fifth time, was, nevertheless, habitually watching the opening game of 1860 Munich on TV alone while sipping his beer.
“Hey, Florian. Has the game started?”
“Not yet.”
“Isn’t today the opening game? Why is there no one here?”
In response to the question of a friend who returned home after a long absence, Florian replied weakly.
“There’s a protest against the club’s dissatisfaction, and if there are no additional recruits, they’re boycotting season tickets. Damn.”
“Why recruits? I heard they signed players coveted even by big clubs.”
“Those players are promising, that’s why. But what’s the use of bringing in promising players when relegation is imminent? Whether they are promising or not, first, we need to avoid relegation.”
Florian, sipping his beer, pointed at the TV screen.
“They’re coming out there. The promising players.”
“Hmm? Promising players, and they’re starting in the opening game?”
“Both of them are starting. The club and the coach have gone crazy. It’s unbelievable.”
The anger of the already frustrated fandom exploded after an interview with Coach Willem just before the opening match. Even some supporters who originally trusted and waited for the club joined the boycott, refusing to attend.
“It’s going to be a riot if they lose this game.”
Realizing the situation, the friend took Florian’s beer with a bitter expression.
Florian, who brought another beer, stared blankly at the TV again, and in the silent pub, only the commentary sound from the TV echoed loudly.
“[The game will start with a whistle. The Munich team, which has returned to the Bundesliga after a long time, is on the pitch.]”
“[This season, Munich’s newly acquired Asian prodigy Jo passes to Jan, taking the first touch. A promising player who received the U-20 World Cup Golden Shoe.]”
“[This young friend just turned 18 this month. I know him as a very skilled player on the whole ball, but… well. The youth stage and the professional stage are different entities, and it seems like they’ve started him as a starter too early.]”
It seemed to be the opening match in the Bundesliga, perhaps that’s why the initial cautious exploration unfolded for Bayern, unlike their usual aggressive style that often drew criticism.
[Bavarian’s careful movements. Kwynter passes the ball back. Receiving the pass, Ju. This player was also newly acquired this month.]
[Together with Jo, he is also of Korean origin and just turned 18 this month, amusingly a center-back but remarkably skilled in attack. At 17, he won the U-20 World Cup Golden Ball, setting a record as the youngest recipient.]
Ju Ji-tae, after receiving the ball, momentarily pauses, leisurely surveying the field.
Florian didn’t like the sight.
“The youngster is completely frozen. What’s he doing without passing quickly?”
“To me, he looks rather composed. But that player is 18? He looks older than my 15-year-old nephew.”
Sipping on their beers, the two conversing suddenly jolted up the next moment.
[Ju rolls the ball forward. What’s he up to—oh? Unexpected dribble!!]
1 minute into the first half.
Out of nowhere, Ju Ji-tae dribbles forward.
As if that was the signal, simultaneously, Florian felt disheartened muttering at the sight of Bayern players rushing towards Werder Bremen’s territory.
“Well then, I said he strangely seemed quiet, unlike Willem. It seems that crazy attacking style won’t be abandoned even in the Bundesliga.”
Even though they received praise for their refreshing attacking power in the second division, in the much higher level of the first division, will such aggression work?
Many experts criticized Bayern’s excessive attacking style.
Remembering the numerous criticisms that they would be in trouble if they continued as they did in the second division, Florian involuntarily closed his eyes.
No matter how disappointed or frustrated, 1860 Munich is the team he loves.
He didn’t want to see his beloved team suffer so miserably.
[Ju is charging forward! Uh, isn’t that too much? Don’t overdo it!]
[Fritz Schäfer is approaching—oh! He skillfully dodges with a sudden acceleration! Ju, keep running!! A brilliant pass connecting to Kristin!]
But no matter how long they waited, the urgent shouts of the commentators didn’t come through.
Instead, the cheers only grew louder.
[They connect out front in that brief moment! Patrick Kell receives the ball! Straight ahead! Berti Mayer!]
Midfielder Patrick Kell, who received Ju Ji-tae’s out-front pass, promptly pushed the ball to the side, and as left full-back Berti Mayer, who had been running in anticipation, received the ball, it had already reached the edge of the penalty area while Werder Bremen players were still recovering.
[Many Bayern players in the box! Three in the penalty area—huh? Where’s Jo?]
Just as Berti Mayer seemed poised to cross at any moment, everyone’s attention shifted to the penalty area, where Jo Jae-sin subtly slipped out.
[Berti’s cross—or no, a cutback! Jo controls it!]
As Berti seemed about to cross, he lightly passed it in the last moment.
Towards the incoming Jo Jae-sin.
From Noble mtl dot com
And,
[Shoot!!]
[Wow! A fantastic mid-range shot!! But Gabriel Saviola leaps up and blocks it!!]
[Really well done, but it’s a shame— huh? When did Joo Ga rise up to this position!! He grabs the second ball— shoots it just like that! Goal!!! It’s a goal!!]
Jo Jaeshin’s powerful mid-range shot was blocked by the goalkeeper’s punching, but the one who grabbed the rebound… No, the one who directly kicked the bouncing ball was none other than Joo Jitae.
Joo Jitae’s volley shot passed the fallen goalkeeper and hit the goal net.
[Oh my goodness!! What is happening!? An Asian young player scores the opening goal… he successfully scores a debut goal in his debut match!!!]
[Viewers watching the game right now must remember the name of this center-back! The hero of the opening goal is Joo! Joo Ji Tae from Korea!!]
Without realizing the bewildered gaze of his friend next to him, Florian shouted.
“Joo Jitae!! Joo Jitae!! Oh, Munich’s treasure!!”
“….”
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, the result of the match is,
1860 Munich 5:0 Werder Bremen
02 Joo Jitae
09 Jan Heinkel
26 Jo Jaeshin
51 Jo Jaeshin
62 Rodel Ditz
The overwhelming victory of 1860 Munich.
The Man of the Match (MOM) was Joo Jitae with 1 goal and 1 assist.
