Salihamidzic secures double delight

By Mark Bennett

A second-half goal from Hasan Salihamidzic decided the German Cup final on Saturday evening as FC Bayern München defeated FC Schalke 04 2-1 to clinch the league and cup double.

Makaay opener
Roy Makaay opened the scoring in a vigorously contested final in Berlin, but the side from Gelsenkirchen equalised on the stroke of half-time thanks to a Lincoln penalty. However, Bayern had the last laugh as Salihamidzic sparked the celebrations with a 76th-minute strike.

Bright start
Bayern started brightly and could have taken the lead with only 40 seconds on the clock. Claudio Pizarro volleyed Willy Sagnol's penetrating long ball to Makaay but the Dutch international volleyed over. Three minutes later Ballack headed another Sagnol pass into Makaay's path but once again the striker failed to find the target.

Ballack blocked
After such a blistering start the pace slowed and supporters had to wait until midway through the first half for the match to pick up again. Pizarro broke down the left wing, pulled the ball back for Ballack and Schalke were lucky to escape a penalty when Sven Vermant appeared to clear the German international's vicious shot with his hand.

Makaay strikes
The Germany captain had further chances in the following minutes but sent a header wide before being denied by Frank Rost six minutes from half-time. Three minutes later Ballack fired a cross into the area, Sagnol headed the ball down for Zé Roberto and the Brazilian hit the post. The ball then fell for Makaay who saw his first attempt blocked by Marcelo Bordon but he followed up and gave Bayern the advantage.

Lincoln equaliser
In the dying seconds of the first half Schalke managed to equalise with their first chance of the game. Ailton took a tumble in the penalty area and referee Florian Meyer pointed to the spot. Lincoln stepped up to take the kick and calmly beat Oliver Kahn.

Salihamidzic delight
After 30 minutes of a second half that lacked any real highlights, Bayern went ahead again. Makaay escaped the Schalke defence on the left wing after a long pass from Ballack, squared the ball for Salihamidzic, who had only just come on as a substitute, and the midfielder was left with an easy goal at the far post.

'Bayern were better'
There was no way back for Schalke in the end and captain Rost had to admit: "Bayern deserved to win today. They were the better side." Bayern manager Uli Hoeness added: "It is a great way to end a fine season. We were the better team today."