Joe Scally’s USA draw with Brazil in final friendly ahead of Copa América
Borussia right-back Joe Scally’s USA national side played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brazil in their final friendly ahead of the Copa América.
As we look back on 2023, we take a closer look at the months of January and February. The Foals not only managed to defeat record champions Bayern Munich at home at BORUSSIA-PARK, but also enjoyed an emotional reunion there.
ON THE PITCH:
After a long winter break, Borussia had a rather sobering start to the calendar year. It was too little too late for the Foals in the opening fixture of 2023 against Bayer Leverkusen and Lars Stindl's two goals in the last 10 minutes of the game were not enough to overcome the three goal deficit. Another loss followed away to FC Augsburg, after conceding late on. The Foals turned things round in the game in Hoffenheim. The 4-1 victory was their win on the road of the season. Following that, Gladbach only managed to pick up one points in the fixtures against FC Schalke (0-0) and Hertha BSC (4-1 loss). Ahead of the home clash against Bayern, Borussia found themselves in ninth position in the standings. After the record champions received an early red card, the Foals put in a determined performance to win the match 3-2. However, the euphoria didn't last long; the victory was immediately followed by a 4-0 defeat in Mainz.
STANDOUT MOMENT:
Just 30 days after saying goodbye to the Foals, Yann Sommer returned to BORUSSIA-PARK. After eight and a half years at the club, the goalkeeper signed for the record champions during the winter break. Sommer was given an official farewell ahead of the clash between the two teams. Before the second half got kicked off, the Swiss made his way to the goal in front of the Nordkurve. The VfL fans applauded him and chanted his name. The reunion was a special moment for the keeper, even if he was on the losing side that day. "I would have liked to have won here," said Sommer. "But I still want to say a big thank you to the club and the fans for the way that they welcomed me. I definitely don't take that for granted."
OFF THE PITCH:
IN WORDS:
Jonas Hofmann: "It has been really up and down for us so far this season. It's hard to achieve your goals in this league when you lack consistency. That's why we've got to kick on from this victory and always show the same desire to win that we had in the Bayern game."