Having spent much of my sports writing career covering Texas high school football, which at most levels draws more fans than USL matches, I found that more than anything Texas high school football coaches care about effort. And by that barometer, Joshua Kimmich’s game-winner against Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup on Wednesday was among the greatest goals of all time.
Bayern Munich grabbed a two-goal lead in the first half only to see Borussia Dortmund equalize in the 55th minute. It looked like Lucien Favre’s men had all the momentum heading into the dying minutes, only for Kimmich to come up with a dramatic winner that all came down to the German international’s determination.
With Dortmund passing the ball nonchalantly, Kimmich swooped in from out of nowhere to nick the ball away after a poor touch from Miguel Delaney. After passing the ball ahead to Robert Lewandowski, the midfielder surged into the box for a return pass. His first effort was saved, but as he was falling down Kimmich still found a way to knock the ball over the keeper in the 82nd minute for a 3-2 victory.
Every Texas high school football coach I know would’ve absolutely loved the way Kimmich’s effort started, continued and finished the goal.
And it was a goal worthy of being the Supercup winner in a match that could’ve gone either way.
Bayern dominated early on, scoring through Corentin Tolisso and Thomas Müller. Tolisso’s goal was not dissimilar from Kimmich’s, with the French midfielder reacting first after his initial effort was deflected off the crossbar.
Bayern make no mistake on the counter!
Corentin Tolisso scores the opener! pic.twitter.com/60MWUC9Fjl— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 30, 2020
Müller meanwhile easily outjumped Felix Passlack for a backpost header to make it 2-0 within 32 minutes. And as North Americans, we are obligated to point out that superb cross from Alphonso Davies.
Thomas Müller heads in Bayern Munich's second in the DFL-Supercup!
How about that cross from Alphonso Davies!? pic.twitter.com/6UYex41Jm0— ESPN (@espn) September 30, 2020
Dortmund pulled within one before halftime through Julian Brandt, who made no mistake with his finish following a quick counter.
GAME. ON.
Julian Brandt fires in to put Dortmund back within one! pic.twitter.com/nSHoiSn80Y— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 30, 2020
Erling Haaland then equalized not long into the second half.
DORTMUND ARE LEVEL IN THE DFL-SUPERCUP!
They pounce on a Bayern Munich giveaway and Erling Haaland fires past Manuel Neuer! pic.twitter.com/b4Kwiaedcs— ESPN (@espn) September 30, 2020
Haaland had a similar opportunity later in the match but Manuel Neuer came up with a strong hand to block the shot, giving Kimmich an opportunity to win it late. Bayern had its 32-match unbeaten streak snapped on Sunday and might not lose again for another 10 months.
